WORK will begin this week on the first phase of a multi-million pound expansion scheme at The Heath Business and Technical Park, in Runcorn.
On Friday, just days after receiving planning permission, building will commence on two identical office blocks each 9,500 square feet. They will cost around £3m to build.
Earlier this year, SOG – owner and operator of The Heath – unveiled plans to add 180,000 sq ft of offices and laboratories to the existing site which will increase the workforce at the award-winning business and science complex from 2,000 to over 3,000 workers in the next five years.
With building firms around the country shelving projects in the face of the credit crunch, one of the UK’s most successful business parks is bucking the trend by starting the development.
The company moving in to the first of the new buildings will be Progressive Solutions, a tenant at The Heath since 2000.
The company, which develops business management software for merchants and wholesalers in the construction sector, has continued to expand since its inception when it occupied two rooms at the park.
Now employing 33 local people and with plans to recruit more new staff next month, the company has outgrown the 4,000 sq ft space it occupies in the existing building.
SOG managing director, Dr Peter Cook, said: “Since we showcased our expansion plans back in April this year, the economic downturn has sent shockwaves through the business world.
“However, I’m delighted to report we have been able to buck the credit crunch trend by moving ahead with our new development proposals to maintain the momentum of The Heath’s incredible success story.”
Liverpool-based RJ Lewis Projects, experts on large scale construction and refurbishment schemes, is responsible for the design and build management.
Director Simon Lewis said: “By being responsible for both design concept and construction management, we are able to deliver a state-of-the-art, purpose-built office block that will be ready for use in just six months. I would like to thank Halton Council’s planning department for its advice and guidanc.”
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