A multi-million-pound enterprise zone development which is set to create up to 1,700 jobs is starting to bear fruit.
Planning permission has now been granted for the first development on a prime spot at Chatterley Valley West – a 7,000 square metre industrial building.
Meanwhile, essential groundworks are pushing ahead at the site in Talke, Newcastle-under-Lyme, which is leading to potential occupiers coming forward for “positive” discussions with developers.
The multi-floor building, which will feature loading bays and 88 parking spaces – including 18 electric vehicle charging bays – overlooks the A500 and is near to the JCB World Logistics centre.
Talks are already underway between developer Harworth – who lodged the planning application – and prospective occupiers, both for this building and other plots it is looking to take forward.
It comes as groundwork to prepare the site and build essential roads and infrastructure are being delivered at pace. Outline planning permission for Chatterley Valley West allows for up to 1.17 million square feet (109,000 sqm) of development.
Matthew Stocks of professional consultancy firm WSP, who do work on behalf of Harworth, told a meeting of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Planning Committee: “This application for Harworth’s first building on the site is a major milestone that demonstrates their commitment to delivering the redevelopment of this key site and its associated benefits.
“There is not at this time a confirmed operator for the building but Harworth is having positive discussions on this and regarding other plots within the development.”
He added: “The commencement of earthworks has encouraged further potential occupiers to come forward and has helped facilitate discussions.”
The Chatterley Valley West development has received £3.7 million funding through the Kidsgrove Town Deal and a £3.5 million investment by Staffordshire County Council.
Staffordshire County Council is working with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership as well as Harworth to take forward the work.
It is believed that as a key site on the A50/A500 corridor demand for industrial and logistics space on the site will be strong.
