ECO UNITS COULD CREATE 300 JOBS
The plan, to provide a mix of office and factory space, is at a very early stage but so far a seven-acre plot to the east of Saunders Way has been identified.
David Randell, of Randell Burton Architects in Tiverton, said his client, an unidentified heating manufacturer, hopes to relocate as early as next year.
And the buildings would feature a range of eco features, including hi-tech insulation, geothermal heating and rainwater harvesting systems.
A pre-application consultation was held with councillors at Cullompton Town Hall last week, where Mr Randell said space would be offered to other companies if the whole site, between Weeke Farm and Bako, could be acquired.
Mr Randell said: “My client is one of the biggest heating manufacturers in the country. The idea is to bring their whole operation together in one place, including the main business and storage area for the country.
“We are designing the buildings so they can be split because my client doesn’t know what will happen in 20 years’ time and they are certainly looking to accommodate other users.
“It’s at a very early stage but part of the plan would include high levels of insulation to cut down on fossil fuels and discrete lighting,” added Mr Randell.
The firm hopes to move the main hub of the business and its distribution offices by the middle of next year and the factory could arrive shortly afterwards.
The factory for the heating firm is estimated to employ 60 to 80 people. But Mr Randell said: “If we get the whole site, it could support up to 300 people.”
Out of 300 parking bays that could be provided, only 179 are likely to be given over to cars because it is hoped the site will encourage “sustainable transport” methods.
Architect Leslie Burton added: “The area shown at the town hall is the whole site available. We are having a meeting with the client today (Tuesday) where it should all jump into place.”
Comment on this story