New business space near Plymouth

Shortage of high-quality units in area

Plymouth City Council has started the third and final phase of a business development at Langage Business Park. 

Work began on Hearder Court in May and the foundations and drainage are now complete with the steel frame due to be constructed shortly. 

The three commercial buildings, providing 2,355 square metres of space, are designed to be flexible, with internal walls that can be removed to allow units to be combined. 

The environmental impact has been considered with the inclusion of solar voltaic panels, high levels of insulation and lift access to units with first floor office accommodation. 

There will also be EV charging pods for vehicles, cycle shelters and recycling zones.

Council leader Nick Kelly said: “We are conscious there is a shortage of high quality space for businesses locally, so we are investing and delivering the premises required to encourage expanding firms to flourish or new firms to operate in our city. Not only are we helping to meet the demand for employment space for around 70 people, we are helping secure local construction and supply chain jobs.

“Hearder Court phase three is tangible proof that Plymouth has a vibrant and expanding commercial sector that bodes well for the city with the creation of local jobs and that our city is able to meet the needs of the business community.”  

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, leader of the Plymouth Labour group said:  “Hearder Court began a phased programme of investment in the advanced factory market. We identified a gap in the market not being filled by the private sector. 

“The Labour-run council stepped up and stepped in. The Hearder units were the first built by Plymouth City Council for 20 years, the first block was fully let before the development was completed, and occupied by Dartmouth Foods.

“Phase two and phase three were serviced together, so that phase three could follow quickly and more cheaply if phase two was a success.”

The building work is being carried out by Devon Contractors and contracts manager Stuart O’Higgins said: “We are delighted to begin work on this exciting project, which will provide top-quality working space for innovative Plymouth businesses and contribute to the wider economic success of the local area.

“Devon Contractors will be working hard to ensure the project is finished to the highest standard and ensure positive progress for this important scheme bringing investment and employment opportunities to Plymouth.”

The units should be ready early next year.