Business village for small and growing industries

Jul 23 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

WORK has started to build a new £6m ‘business village’ development on the South Church Enterprise Park in Bishop Auckland.

The four acre site will accommodate nine office blocks, with suites ranging from 1,500sqft up to 6,000sqft and 20 industrial units all with 1,000sqft of space available.

The new buildings are intended to provide accommodation for small businesses, with units potentially providing ‘move-on’ space for growing companies.

Gustoni Developments from Stockton is the company behind the scheme which is being marketed as the Deanery Business Village. The units will be available to buy, with prices starting at £450,000 for the smaller offices, and £100,000 for an industrial unit.

Letting prices will be £12.50 per sqft for offices and £7 per sqft for the industrial units.

Sanderson Weatherall is marketing the scheme on behalf of Gustoni Developments. Jonathan Simpson from the firm said: “The arrival of this scheme will work to complement what’s already at the business park and will promote increased growth and investment into Bishop Auckland. There are a growing number of requirements for smaller, own-front- door commercial spaces in the region. The scheme will bring forward quality, self contained office and industrial units to meet this demand.

“Gustoni’s commitment to building out the Deanery Business Village is excellent news for the area in generating and retaining employment.

“We are very pleased with the initial response that we have had and we are already having preliminary discussions with a number of parties.”

Sue Glass at Gustoni Developments said: “Our aim is to effectively bring into use this prime area of land to encourage continued commercial activity for the town. The development will include a range of office and industrial space to suit a variety of businesses including the provision of a bistro to service the business park.

“While creating a vibrant, self contained development, this will also provide the necessary facilities to encourage employees to stay on site during the day, promoting green travel objectives.”

Coun Richard Mews, chair of regeneration for Wear Valley District Council said: “This is a very exciting development for Bishop Auckland and the district, extending our already growing reputation as a first class destination to do business in.

“There is a real buzz around the town with the planned Bishop Auckland urban renaissance and redevelopment of Auckland Castle Park. This development is sure to add to that and create good quality jobs for local people.”