Kingsway Set To Conquer Property Market
After years in the planning pipeline Kingsway, Rochdale, has
reached a new milestone with the launch of a bold marketing
campaign to promote the strategic 170-hectare (420 acre) site as a
unique location for tomorrow’s industries.
Backed by a series of 11 abstract illustrations by graphic
artist Andy Barker, the development partners began a national
promotional push as the first occupiers pledged themselves to the
new business park.
“This colourful interpretation of what Kingsway has to offer is a
new approach to creating a special identity for the site – it’s
like a modern-day Bayeux Tapestry,” observes Rob Green, the
Northwest Regional Development Agency’s Operations Director for the
site.
“We are trying to show that Kingsway is different to anything on
the market in terms of size, connectivity, design, sustainability
and the package of business support on offer to companies moving
there.”
Located next to the M62 in Rochdale, the project is a joint
venture between the NWDA, which is the largest landowner and
biggest public investor, Rochdale MBC, Rochdale Development Agency
and Wilson Bowden Developments.
Kingsway, one of the region’s 25 strategic sites, has retained
its grant aid status in the recent redrawing of the Assisted Areas
map. It has outline planning permission for 3,071,732 sq ft of
industrial space, 295,867 sq ft of offices, 196, 435 sq ft of
quality hotel, leisure and retail and 300 homes.
When fully developed in 10-15 years the park will have a projected
employment base of 7,250 people, many of them in target growth
sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital and media.
“We are taking a very holistic approach to developing the site,”
explains Green. “There will be a crèche within a village hub,
community transport provision and a green travel plan.”
The partners are working closely with potential employers to
identify their staffing and skills needs, with local communities to
encourage them to take up training opportunities (bursary grants
are available), with colleges to develop appropriate courses, and
with schools to raise career aspirations from an early age.
Two local companies have provided developers with a confidence
boost by signalling intent to move there. Rochdale-based Zen
Internet is one of these companies and they have indicated they
will invest in a new headquarters operation on the business park to
cater for future expansion. Founded by high-tech entrepreneur
Richard Tang, the company currently employs 200 people on three
separate sites in the town.
Planning Challenge
Phase One of the £350 million project, due for completion in
July 2007, will deliver the site utilities, a remodelled Junction
21 giving direct access to the M62, and a new spine road linked to
the A664 Rochdale Ring Road.
It will also make available the first six development plots, one
of which is the subject of detailed discussions related to a hotel
and leisure development.
The site is a mix of former low-grade farmland, old industrial
land and marsh. Its potential was recognised as early as 1945 but
it only appeared on the planning horizon in the 1980s and it was
not until the 1990s that the Kingsway Partnership was formed.
The project has faced numerous challenges including uncertainty
over the Metrolink extension to Oldham and Rochdale. This has now
been resolved with the park having a dedicated stop when the
network expansion is completed in 2013.
Winning Formula
The NWDA secured a Compulsory Purchase Order for the site in
2004. Most of the Agency’s £31 million investment in the project
has been used to fund infrastructure works with marketing and
recruitment support also provided.
A key 23-hectare (53 acres) site with outline planning
permission for 69.883 sq metres (750,000 sq ft) of business space
in Phase Two has been earmarked by the Agency for strategic
investment capable of delivering up to 2,000 jobs.
Rochdale Council recently gave planning approval for Phase Two
infrastructure works along with detailed approval for the first six
plots in Phase One. Construction work on the first four buildings
started in January. Jane Dobie, Development Manager for Wilson
Bowden Developments, believes Kingsway’s design, amenities, and
direct link to one of the UK’s main distribution corridors will
prove a winning formula with a wide range of investors.
“We are extremely pleased with the level of interest already
received and if things continue as they are we would expect the
majority of Phase 1 to be allocated within the next 12-18
months.”
For further information:
email: rob.green@nwda.co.uk
tel: 01706 868999
www.kingswayuk.com