More jobs are set to come to the former Olympic sailing village at Osprey Quay in Portland following the start of construction of the new Navigator Business Centre.
Tidebank UK has begun the construction of a new 4,500 sq ft industrial unit at Osprey Quay, which will have the capacity to create up to 50 new jobs when complete.
This is the first of a number of new industrial units planned by Tidebank UK, who previously developed the Maritime Business Centre, which is also home to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy at Osprey Quay.
In April, site owners the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) secured outline planning approval for up to 147,500 sq ft of new business space including offices, industrial and distribution facilities at the Mere Tank Farm area. The HCA is marketing the serviced development plots and Tidebank has purchased land for this unit and is negotiating terms for another three units.
HCA Area Manager Mark Glendenning said: “It is great news for the area that Tidebank has started the next phase of development at Osprey Quay. Encouraging inward investment and new job opportunities in the area is a vital element of the future success of this development and we are working hard to make this happen at Osprey Quay.”
Construction of the new unit is due to complete at the end of August. Tidebank UK’s Director, Kevin Jones said: "We already know from experience that Osprey Quay offers a great location and our new units will meet all the normal occupier demands and offer flexible terms.”
If plans are approved, Tidebank hopes to develop two more units next door before the end of the year. The larger unit covering 6,500 sq ft will be designed to attract businesses by offering four spaces of at least 1,600 sq ft. These developments mean Tidebank UK is planning to invest nearly £2m in further developments at Osprey Quay.
Deputy Mayor of Weymouth, Councillor Kate Wheller said: “This is excellent news for Osprey Quay, Portland and Weymouth. Following the excitement of the Olympic Games last year, the council is delighted that new private investment and jobs are coming to Osprey Quay.”
Subject to demand Tidebank has plans to develop a further 10,800 sq ft unit next year.