Keys to £1.75m new workspace units are handed over

THE keys to a new £1.75 million workspace development on the former Wrigleys factory site in Williton have been handed over to West Somerset Council.
Builders Rok presented the keys to the development on the village’s Roughmoor business estate at an opening ceremony where councillors undertook a guided tour of the much-needed workspace.
The council’s economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Michael Downes, said: “We have invested over a million pounds in the project and we are delighted by the interest being shown by local businesses.
“It will provide space for new and existing businesses to flourish, and hopefully provide more jobs for local people which can only be good for our economy.
“We are committed to widening opportunities for businesses across the district, and work is also underway on new workspace at Dulverton and Minehead.”
The remainder of the project funding comes from the European Regeneration Development Fund South West Objective 2.
The former Wrigleys factory has been completely refurbished to provide five self-contained office starter units, with a further nine workspace units built to the south of the site.
The original ground floor office, which dates to the 1960s, has been retained and now hosts a reconfigured, modernised reception area complete with shower room and toilets for the disabled.
The workspace was designed to allow a high degree of flexibility in the layout to accommodate a wide range of tenants over a prolonged period.
It will be serviced accommodation, meaning somebody will be on hand to deal with visitors to the resident businesses.
Project manager Pete Vallance said: “We have redeveloped a redundant brownfield site rather than building on a greenfield site, and our contractor, Rok, has also met exacting energy efficiency standards which means the project has been completed using sustainable building materials to further minimise any impact on the environment.
“Williton is a growth area and needs high-quality workspace. We are really pleased to have delivered this project so that local businesses can continue to expand, and new businesses have the best start possible.”
Rok area director Chris Hyde said: “This is a significant contract for Rok and we are delighted to be bringing our refurbishment and new build expertise to the project.
“It will create much-needed high quality workspace in West Somerset and set high environmental standards by regenerating a brownfield site.”
Anybody who wants more information on workspace availability in either Williton or Dulverton should contact Alder King by telephoning 01823 444 879.

• Our photograph shows (left to right) Councillor Michael Downes receiving the keys from Rok contracts team leader Colin Ayres, watched by council project manager Pete Vallance. Photo submitted.