27.02.04
Objective One investment secured
for the development of the Walker Lines business units in
Bodmin
In recognition of its strategic importance, Bodmin has been
designated as an 'employment growth centre' under the Objective
One Programme. However, currently there is minimal potential
for employment growth in Bodmin as there is an identified
shortage of business accommodation.
In light of this, Catherine Smith, Economic Development Manager
of NCDC has been working to bring about a scheme that would
address some of the issues regarding the lack of suitable
accommodation in the town and this project will deal with
this shortage by using a brownfield site, owned by NCDC (the
old swimming pool site), to provide 14 high quality business
units at Normandy Way on the Walker Lines Industrial Estate.
The project has been costed at £1.1million and a maximum
possible investment of 40% towards the capital costs has been
secured from the Objective One Programme towards the capital
cost.
The project will provide 875sqm of quality workspace in 14
units in a two storey building of high specification. Where
possible local materials will be used, including energy saving
devices. The units and their location will be accessible to
all. After construction is completed the units will be managed
and rented out by NCDC's Estates Surveyor.
The accommodation will provide:
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an arrangement on two floors |
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direct level access to every unit by adjustment of
existing terracing |
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sufficient vehicular access and cycle storage |
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875m2 of lettable floorspace, to be made available
to the small business sector to let at the current market
rate |
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14 units with nominal floor areas that meet current
market demand, of:
|
| |
|
40sqm (430sqft)
50sqm (540sqft)
70sqm (750sqft)
95sqm (1020sqft) |
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but sufficiently flexible so that changes in demand
for accommodation size can be catered for in the future through
adjustment of internal walls, partitions etc |
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each unit with independent heating, lighting, communication
(including broadband) and disabled persons' toilet facilities |
The Economic Development Manager worked with Regeneration
North Cornwall, who developed the successful Objective One
application, and the ongoing work on site will be managed
by NCDC through its Design Service.
The tender process now began to appoint contractor to undertake
a design and build scheme and the intention is to have completion
on site by the end of 2004.
Cllr Neil Burden is Chair of NCDC's Regeneration Committee: "North Cornwall District Council's elected members continue
to push forward schemes to provide more well-serviced, modern
business space to help established companies expand and new
businesses to start up. We are very pleased to acknowledge
the support of Objective One for this development in Bodmin.”
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership,
said: "Objective One is playing a crucial role in North
Cornwall by investing in the creation of quality workspace
that allows our local businesses to expand and grow, providing
jobs and income for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly today
and into the future. Bodmin has been identified as an area
in need of suitable accommodation for businesses so I am delighted
that this development will be going ahead.”
Editor's notes:
Contacts: Annie Moore: 01208 893318
Catherine Smith: 01208 265633
Cllr Neil Burden, Chair of Regeneration: 01566 782286
Jason Clark
Communications Adviser
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
objectiveone@cornwall.gov.uk
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