Sidley Goods Yards boost

Last week Rother District Council revealed that it is investing 2.103m in the project in accordance with its Key Policy objective to improve local employment and business prospects.

The council is also actively seeking additional funding through the local Area Investment Framework which provides funding on behalf of the Regional Government body South East England Development Agency.

The project will create 2,260 square metres of light industrial business space.

It will include a number of small serviced units for new businesses and standard business space units of between 50 and 150 square metres. It is hoped that the council's proposals will create up to 120 new jobs.

This week a Rother spokesman said the project would be designed to minimise the development's carbon footprint.

"Buildings will be designed to be energy efficient through careful specification and selection of materials with integral 'green energy' systems.

"The accommodation will have future flexibility designed in."

The project is being led by Rotherl's regeneration team with expert assistance from selected consultants. Detailed design will begin in September with planning applications to follow soon after. Construction is programmed to commence in 2008 with completion in 2009.

Rother will retain ownership and management responsibility for the site. This will enable the council to respond quickly to changes in business and employment needs and provide best value service to the local community.

The development will be marketed once construction starts. This will give businesses wishing to move to Sidley Goods Yard the earliest opportunity to register their interest and plan their future.

Rother cabinet regeneration spokesperson Cllr Deirdre Williams said: "The redevelopment of this existing small industrial area with modern units designed to meet a variety of needs will prove to be a great boost to the local economy and provide much needed jobs for the area.

"This is just one of a number of important projects currently being progressed by Rother's regeneration team and demonstrates the how the council is working hard in just one area to improve both the environment and the well being of the local community."