Laying the ground work for new jobs at Langage

Ground work is to get underway to expand the hugely successful Langage Science Park.

Plymouth City Council has invested £2.6 million in expanding the science park so that more high-end companies will be able to move in, creating around 80 new jobs.

The Council is handing over the 2.5 acre site to the contractors Britcon, who were appointed in September to develop and build the site which will see two new blocks comprising nine different-sized units, ranging from 1,250 square feet to 20,000 square feet.

Councillor Tudor Evans said: “We are proactively creating space for companies to move in or to expand, which is why we were prepared to use Council assets and our ability to access finance to invest in this development."

“This is a key commitment in our Plan for Jobs – not only does it create around 40 construction jobs while the build is underway, but having ready and flexible factory and office space of a considerable size in our city means we can encourage more  advance manufacturing and specialised work. ”

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mark Lowry said: “This is an investment in a scheme which will give back jobs and careers and contribute to the local economy. To attract quality jobs, we need to create the quality work space that companies want."

Paul Clarkson Managing Director at Britcon said: "We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this high quality workspace scheme for Plymouth City Council. 

Our previous work in the Sout West has enabled us to create an in-depth supply chain network and as such we have already appointed site based staff from the local Plymouth area to assist in delivering this project. We have placed and will continue to place a number of sub contract and supply packages with regional companies, immediate examples of these being the earthworks with a local company from Devon, with other local orders to be confirmed in the very near future."

The units will incorporate flexible office space (heated, carpeted, lit and ready for occupation) that can be easily extended to suit users specific requirements.

The site will also have large service yard areas, dedicated parking, cycle shelters, waste recycling zones and electrically operated loading doors.

The completed scheme will have energy saving features such as solar photo voltaic systems, efficient heating systems to the offices and increased levels of insulation, which when combined, should minimise carbon emissions and reduce running costs for occupiers.

During construction there will be up to 40 people working on the site together with a range of professions from quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, mechanical to electrical consultants.

As part of the contract, the Council has asked that contractors Britcon (UK) Ltd make opportunities available to local people and local suppliers as well as ensure there are training and skills opportunities for young people.

The scheme is due to complete by Summer 2015 and the Council has already received a number of enquiries which it hopes to convert into new lettings. Once built, it will also provide an important income stream for the Council.

Interested parties should contact the Land and Property Team at landandproperty@plymouth.gov.uk or telephone 01752 304161.