PLANS to build new, low carbon industrial units on the site of former council offices is set to get under way.
Leicester City Council will be working with local firm Brackley Property Developments Ltd to build 21 new units that will provide more than 30,000sqft of light industrial workspace for local start-ups and growing businesses close to the city centre.
The land, off Blackbird Road, was formerly The Ian Marlow Centre – a housing depot used by Leicester City Council as offices, workshops and storage buildings and has now been cleared ready for redevelopment.
The industrial units will be housed in four new buildings which will incorporate a range of low carbon, energy efficiency measures. These include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, super insulation, and low-energy smart lighting.
Chargers will be installed for electric vehicles in a new parking area, and safe storage will be provided for bicycles.
The development, which is expected to cost around £6.25million, is backed with cash from the government’s Levelling Up Fund following the city council’s successful bid for £19.4million of new investment in 2021, to support the growth of high-tech and industrial workspaces in the city.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on culture, economy and climate, said: “These new industrial units will breathe new life into a vacant council site and help meet the urgent demand for commercial and industrial workspaces for start-up and growing businesses within Leicester City.
“Along with supporting local employers and the creation of new jobs, this development also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the local economy through investment in cleaner, greener low carbon infrastructure which will support the future prosperity of our growing city.”
Leicester-based Brackley Property Developments Ltd was awarded the contract following a competitive tendering process. The company is also working with the city council to build the ambitious expansion to the Dock innovation workspace hub at Pioneer Park.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “We are very pleased to working with Leicester City Council on this exciting development. We have cleared the site in readiness for construction of much-needed small business units for local occupiers.
“The scheme will contribute to the council’s efforts to attract and retain high-tech industries in Leicester, with the potential to support new jobs and business growth.”
Construction work is due to get underway in mid-February is expected to take around eight months to complete.
For more information about the new industrial units visit www.propertylink.estatesgazette.com