WORK has started on redeveloping the former Wrigleys factory site, on the Roughmoor Industrial Estate, in Williton, into 14 new workspace units.Members of West Somerset Council were on hand to watch the start of the £1.75 million regeneration project, which will create opportunities for start-up businesses and those which want to expand.
The council’s economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Nick Messarra, said: “West Somerset Council has invested over a million pounds in this project, which we believe will transform opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises in the area.
“It is one of a number of workspace developments in West Somerset that will benefit local businesses, residents, and the economy.”
The new workspace has been designed to allow a high degree of flexibility in layout in order to accommodate a wide range of tenants over a prolonged period.
The premises will be serviced, meaning somebody will be on hand to deal with visitors.
There will also be meeting rooms, and all tenants will have access to the Connecting Somerset IT support grant scheme.
Units ranging in size from 495 to 2,260 square feet are being provided in the redevelopment, and estate agent Alder King is putting together a lettings package for prospective tenants.
The development is being carried out for the council by Taunton-based builders Rok, whose area director, Chris Hyde, said: “This is a significant contract for Rok and we are delighted to be bringing our refurbishment and new build expertise to the project.
“It will create much-needed high quality workspace in West Somerset and set high environmental standards by regenerating a brownfield site.”
Williton ward Councillor Eddie May said: “The site had been deteriorating over the last few years and we are delighted that, by refurbishing some parts of the site and demolishing and rebuilding others, we will be able to provide businesses and the local economy with the boost it needs.
“Our contactors, Rok, will be meeting BREEAM energy efficiency standards, which means the project will use sustainable building materials and minimise any impact on the environment.”
The balance of the Wrigleys project funding comes from the European Regeneration Development Fund South West Objective 2.
- Our photograph taken on the Wrigleys site shows (left to right) Atisreal project manager Nathan Heavens, Hugh Davies, Councillor Eddie May, council market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance, Rok contract team leader Colin Ayres, and Councillor Nick Messarra. Photo by Steve Guscott.
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