Foundations, frame, walls and now the roof is being topped out on the first purpose-built commercial units within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.
Cabinet member for Finance Mark Lowry was on hand to mark this crucial milestone in the development of four units in Beaumont Way, Langage – one of three Freeport tax sites as part of the region’s continuing success story in the marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy sectors.
Devon Contractors are progressing the construction of the units which range in size from 750 square metres to just over 2,000 sqm.
The units will have workshop/production space inside with fully fitted offices at ground and first floor level (with lift access) and welfare facilities, including showers.
Each will have its own dedicated service yard, parking and EV charging pod and the units will be highly sustainable and incorporate technology to minimise carbon emissions and running costs, including solar photo-voltaic panels, increased levels of insulation, higher levels of natural daylight and ventilation and highly efficient heating systems. The units are being designed and built to BREEAM Excellent standards and Net Zero status.
As part of its own social values policies, the Council is always keen to consider social value measures that a contractor can apply to projects carried out on behalf of the Council and this has been achieved in spades at this Langage site.
Seven students from Brook Green Centre recently enjoyed a site tour through the support of DUCTU and the Devon Careers Hub and had a go at bricklaying. Small groups from Plympton Academy and Tor Bridge will shortly visit and the site will soon host an event for military personnel to tour the site and discuss opportunities available in the construction industry.
Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans said:
“This site is so much more than just buildings. It is about potential – not just companies interested in being part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport story.
“One of our priorities as a Council is ‘green investment, jobs, skills and better education.’ I am really chuffed to hear the work Devon Contractors are doing here on this site to inspire our next generation of workers and let them see at first hand work what skilled, well-paid jobs looks like. It’s just brilliant.”
The development has been made possible thanks to a £4 million Freeport seed capital funding, match funded by Plymouth City Council. Once complete, it is expected to support around 138 full time jobs and associated long term spin off benefits.
Richard May CEO of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said;
“It’s wonderful to witness the first new industrial units being built in the Freeport with many more to follow over the next few years.
“We have several businesses keen to move in and they will help us strengthen local capability, innovation and bring on new skills in our key sectors of marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean tech."
Devon Contractors are on target to finish the scheme in time for units to be ready to move into by Autumn 2025.
Nigel Whelan, Managing Director of Devon Contractors, said:
“We’re making excellent progress on site at Langage and its a testament to the collaborative spirit across the board.
“Our supply chain, consultants, suppliers and the client team have all come together as one, working seamlessly to drive the project forward. This level of co-operation is what allows us to maintain momentum and deliver with confidence. Were particularly excited to be launching our work placements schools projects next month – a great opportunity to engage the next generation and share in the future of construction.”
The Langage Tax Site is the largest of three tax sites for the Freeport and is on the edge of the existing Langage Business Park. It is strategically significant as it provides the space and opportunities to support sector growth plans and economic specialisation, underpinning the Freeport’s trade and investment objectives.
Eligible businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West, including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures.
As this site is part of the Freeport designated tax site, eligible tenants must specialise in either marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering or clean energy.
Interested parties should contact LAPT@plymouth.gov.uk or for information about the Freeport contact Eifion.Jones@pasdfreeport.com