Northumberland shows its ambition as a new chapter opens for business park

A new masterplan for a 62 acre-site at Ashwood Business Park in Northumberland was officially unveiled on October 30 at the Advanced Engineering 2019 exhibition at Birmingham NEC.

The next phase in the site’s development – which is being spearheaded by economic regeneration company Advance Northumberland – is set to make Ashwood Business Park a centre for advanced manufacturing, process and engineering companies, and a fulcrum for further industrial growth in the region.

Ashwood Business Park holds Enterprise Zone status – meaning that organisations locating there can benefit from 100 per cent Enhanced Capital Allowances – and is situated in South East Northumberland, at the heart of one of the North East’s strongest manufacturing clusters. The site is close to the A1 and A19 road links with easy access to the Port of Blyth and Newcastle International Airport.

Plots available at Ashwood Business Park range from 50,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft. A variety of industrial units can be developed, with tenure options ranging from a freehold sale to a bespoke, turnkey solution on a short-term lease.

The vision for Ashwood Business Park is to create a centre for manufacturing excellence, an employment hub and a primed site capable of development ready for significant inward investors. The site will also establish an amenity gateway which will include a petrol filling station and key services for the businesses and employees on the park.

Richard Wearmouth, chair of Advance Northumberland said at Advanced Engineering 2019 exhibition: “We’re delighted to be launching the new masterplan for Ashwood Business Park at Advanced Engineering 2019. As an event that promotes innovation and manufacturing and engineering excellence, it was the perfect place to showcase our vision for the site.

“Ashwood Business Park offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses working across manufacturing, engineering and the process sector to take advantage of a superb location with excellent transport links.

“Organisations moving to Ashwood Business Park can grow and thrive, drawing on the talents of the highly skilled, specialist workforce on their doorstep, which is reinforced by Northumberland’s manufacturing heritage, as well as benefiting from being located within a thriving manufacturing cluster.

“We’re very proud to be able to offer regional, national and international businesses such an exciting opportunity in the heart of Northumberland.”

Jeff Hope, head of manufacturing at AkzoNobel Ashington, which is situated on Ashwood Business Park, added: “Ashwood Business Park has provided AkzoNobel with an ideal location for transport links, being located off a major trunk road and near both an international airport and port.

“Capacity to expand was designed into the site and our location allows us room to grow, with easily accessible local facilities, access to a reliable skilled workforce and a welcoming community.”