The ceremonial sod cutting was attended by Produmax managing director Jeremy Ridyard and Anetic Aid director Andrew Curtin, with development partners Mark Taylforth and Andrew Russell from Pendle Russells, alongside Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for employment, skills and culture.
The commencement of works comes after planning approval for the construction of the second two units at the new 15-acre business park, following an earlier approval for the Produmax application. Construction of the new access road and the first three units is expected to be complete in early 2015.
Completion will allow Produmax to move production from premises in Otley and Yeadon to one site, bringing 44 jobs to Baildon. It forms the start of the firm’s 10-year expansion plan, part-funded by £600,000 from the Regional Growth Fund, which will see more products developed and a doubling of the workforce.
Anetic Aid, part of the Portsmouth Surgical Holdings Group, is relocating its maintenance, sales and distribution teams from its existing home in Guiseley, and with it 26 jobs. The new facility will also allow the firm to grow its servicing engineering department and anticipates increasing staff numbers to 40 within the next few years.
Mark Taylforth and Andrew Russell are delivering the £15m business park as part of a joint venture. Mark Taylforth said: “The start of construction for the first phase of Baildon Business Park is a major milestone. Having two units pre-sold was the ideal scenario and I’m pleased we’re kicking off construction with both Produmax and Anetic Aid on board. Negotiations are underway with other potential tenants and, once confirmed, we’ll get to work on detailed designs and planning applications for the remaining 90,000 sq ft the site has to offer.”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe added: “This development will contribute to the growth of the companies we need within the district and I welcome the jobs that come with that growth.”
Jeremy Ridyard, managing director of Produmax, said: “The foresight and assistance of the team at Bradford council has helped to deliver an excellent prospect in the Baildon Business Park. Produmax is in a period of rapid growth supplying to the global aerospace industry, assisted by the UK Sharing In Growth program, and we are looking forward to moving into the purpose built factory early in 2015.”
While Andrew Curtin, Anetic Aid director, added: “This is a great move for us to a brand new unit, in which we have been able to specify our design requirements, and the staff can’t wait to move into the new facility. ”
Baildon Business Park offers a total 140,000 sq ft of business space, with 11,500 sq ft of restaurant / retail available on the road frontage. The site has outline planning for B1, B2 and ancillary B8 units up to 60,000 sq ft, and agents are in discussion with a number of potential occupiers for the site, with three having progressed to legal negotiations.
For more information about taking space at Baildon Business Park please contact agents Atkinson Associates, Knight Frank and Dale Eddison Commercial, or call 0113 244 3242 or go to www.baildonbusinesspark.co.uk
