Plans for the first phase of a 10-acre business park next to Worcestershire Parkway Station have been submitted by the national multi-sector property business, Godwin Developments working in partnership with developer Stennard Harrison.
Located in Woodbury Lane in Norton, Worcestershire, the first stage will see 2.5 acres of land transformed into two office blocks, totalling over 40,000 sq. ft. of grade A office space, and include more than 120 private car parking spaces.
The development will benefit from excellent rail connectivity due to its prime location next to the new train station, with direct routes into central London, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol and Cardiff. Just a mile away from Junction 7 of the M5, it will also provide easy access to the UK’s extensive road network and fast transport connections into the airports of Birmingham and Bristol.
Matt Chandler, Associate Director at Godwin Developments said: “The Midlands has always been a major business hub for the UK, with Worcester playing a significant role in providing high quality space for occupiers, as well as unparalleled connectivity to the west of the UK. It is home to a number of nationally renowned businesses and large multinationals – making it the perfect location for this major commercial development.
“SME growth in Worcestershire has been particularly robust in the last few years and with the supply of new office space being very limited, it has resulted in high demand from occupiers who want to remain, grow and move to the county. This is particularly true for the corridor of land around the M5, which has attracted the majority of the office and commercial developments. Our Norton site is seeking to take advantage of this trend and we are confident that the demand for good quality, newly built office space in the area will rebound strongly in the future.”
The scheme is part of the wider South Worcestershire Development Plan Review, which will see the creation of a brand-new town at Worcestershire Parkway, delivering 5,000 homes by 2041, and includes 50 hectares of employment land to attract and support business in the local area.
Chandler added: “The ambitious vision for Norton and beyond, outlined in the Review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan and the proximity to the new Worcestershire Parkway Railway Station, are a significant boost for our development, which will not only contribute to new office stock availability but also deliver local jobs to the newly created community.
“We have worked closely with IMA Architects to design a scheme that will fit well into the local landscape and are grateful for the support of development partner Stennard Harrison. We look forward to collaborating with Wychavon District Council to transform our exciting plans into reality.”
Ian McCann, Managing Director at IMA Architects, said “It has been a pleasure to work with Godwin Developments on the first phase of this employment site. The location is sustainable, being adjacent to the new railway station and the design concept delivers a contemporary aesthetic, with flexible modern office spaces.”
The application for this scheme is being delivered in conjunction with planning and development consultants Avon Planning Services Ltd.