The 37-acre business park under construction in Sleaford is taking shape, with steel frames now standing onsite and other works progressing well.
The steel framework for unit 1.1 on plot one at Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park is complete and work will start soon on its roof. Meanwhile, steels are going up now for unit 1.2 which sits adjacent.
An attenuation pond has been created, and tarmac also laid along the first section of the spine road along the eastern side of the site.
Marketing agent Banks Long & Co reports that this progress onsite – and particularly the steel frameworks which are visible from the A17 – is prompting new enquiries to come in and strengthening existing interest in the site.
There are two plots which together make up part of phase one of the enterprise park. There are nine business units within plot one ranging from 1,313 sq ft to 2,066 sq ft in size. These will benefit from solar panels, energy efficient insulation and electric vehicle charging points. Plot three contains six slightly larger grow-on business units with solar panels, an electric vehicle charging shelter and extra efficient insulation and these units range from 3,369 sq ft to 5,123 sq ft.
Members of the project board visited the site on 31 January to see the progress.
North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “Despite some quite challenging conditions onsite over winter for our contractors, works onsite are moving along well at our Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park and phase one completion is set for autumn this year.
“As each steel beam has gone into place so far we’ve been able to see it being built up from the ground and become reality. I’m pleased to hear this has also prompted an increase in interest in the site, and I look forward to sharing some further updates as Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park continues to take shape and conversations with potential phase one occupiers develop.
“I’d like to also thank the residents and businesses around the site for their patience while construction takes place.”
There’s been a 65% increase in new enquires, comparing October and November 2022 to December 2022 and January 2023, which can be attributed partly to interest in the visible activity happening onsite.
Banks Long & Co Surveyor Harry Collins said: “We’ve been pleased to note a marked increase in enquiries for units in phase one since the first steel frames have been up onsite.
“We do find a slight rise in enquires for commercial property around January and February as businesses look at the year ahead and consider any plans or aims for growth that they have, however the steels now being visible at Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park is definitely a positive factor which has sparked a number of new enquiries in the site as well as strengthening existing interest.
“Anyone interested in a discussion about available space there, either for the plots being built now or future phases, is very welcome to get in touch with us."
Local contractor Smith Construction is carrying out the build for both plots, which make up this phase along with the civils and spine road. Harlaxton Engineering based in Grantham meanwhile is delivering utilities connections.
Managing Director of Smith Construction Ken Smith said: “We’re delighted to see the steel erected at Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park. It represents a significant milestone in the project and the site is really starting to take shape now.”
Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park is situated close to Pride Parkway in the town and visible from the roadside along the A17.
For more about the units available, visit bankslong.com or contact Harry Collins at harry.collins@bankslong.com or 07479 611143.
The Council’s Economic Development Team provides a range of business support along with identifying opportunities for the District’s local economy.
For more on this broader economic development work or to enquire about units elsewhere, visit businessnk.co.uk You can also sign up for business e-newsletters at n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
