Clinton Devon Estates awards Liverton 2 contract to VINCI

Landowner Clinton Devon Estates has announced that VINCI Construction UK has been awarded a £2million contract for infrastructure works at Liverton 2, a second major business park on the outskirts of Exmouth.

Work on the five hectare site which lies to the north of Liverton Business Park will begin in September. This will involve substantial earthworks, the installation of utility services and the development of a road and footpath with frontage for new units that will range in size from 100sq m (1200 sq ft) to 3,000 sq m (30,000 sq ft). Development of the first units, which are offering flexible employment space for light industry, storage and distribution, will follow in early spring 2012 when ground-works are complete.

VINCI, a worldwide construction company with a South West regional office expects to use up to 20 local contractors on the project, in line with the company’s corporate sustainability code which aims to recruit 70% of a project workforce from a 30 mile radius of the site, subject to the relevant expertise being available. 

Leigh Rix, Head of Property and Land for Clinton Devon Estates said: “This represents a significant investment in Exmouth and East Devon at a time when the UK economy is still in a fragile state. Clinton Devon Estates has made a bold commitment to press ahead with the development of Liverton 2 for the long term benefit of our local businesses, industry and the wider community.” 

Mr Rix added: “Although we are not in a position to name them yet, we are already in advanced negotiations with several well-known companies that are keen to take this opportunity to expand in preparation for the upturn. They will be influencing the design and build of the first units, subject to the necessary planning consents, and they will also benefit from some competitive lease terms.”    

Clinton Devon Estates’ retained Agent Malcolm Williams from Harrison-Lavers and Potburys said: “This opportunity to create bespoke business space is unique and the space we have is limited so I would encourage firms to discuss their requirements with us as soon as possible.”

Steve Vorres, Regional Director, VINCI Construction UK said,
“This development signifies to the region that people are still willing to invest in the UK economy and that there is a real need for local businesses and industry to move forwards. To prove our commitment to the local economy, VINCI Construction UK is very proud to have a code which aims to give 70% of the jobs to local people.”

Each unit will be offered on a full repairing and insuring lease, with terms being negotiated with individual tenants. The park will be fully landscaped to include cycle route and footpath links to the local community.

The original award-winning Liverton Business Park, which is now home to major brand names including Halfords, B&Q and McDonalds, was itself developed steadily by Clinton Devon Estates through two recessions. The emphasis was on attracting the right businesses and retailers to serve Exmouth’s 35,000-strong population and then providing them with a high quality and excellently maintained site.

Full details of the site layout, location and approximate unit sizes can be found in the site brochure, available from Harrison-Lavers and Potburys or online at www.livertonbusinesspark.com

Interested tenants should contact Malcolm Williams on 01395 516633 or by emailing mwilliams.hlp@btinternet.com

Published: 21/07/11