Junction 21 Enterprise Area milestone

Work to create a major new roundabout that will form part of a road opening up thousands of jobs and homes in Weston-super-Mare has begun.

The roundabout is the first stage of a key strategic route linking the A371 (Locking Moor Road) with Winterstoke Road.

According to developers, Persimmon Homes, it is a key milestone in the progress of Junction 21 Enterprise Area as a major employment destination.

And once these initial road works are complete the first phase of the 17 hectare Weston Business Quarter development will begin on the Locking Airfield site.

This will provide serviced plots for offices and other employment, including the North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA) 20,000 sq ft managed workspace scheme called ‘The Hive’ and other approved developments such as a hotel and pub.

NSEA’s business centre will open early 2014 to support small businesses and allow them to start-up and grow by providing flexible office space with short term leases and expandable space.

‘The Hive’ business centre, which is designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable, will be let to around 40-60 different tenants on a short term basis.

It’s expected that the Business Quarter will provide up to 4,000 jobs.

Cllr Nigel Ashton, Leader of North Somerset Council welcomed work beginning on the site and said:”This is a major step forward for the delivery of jobs and growth in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area at Weston-super-Mare.

“The opening up of the airfield, initially by ensuring the road infrastructure is in place, demonstrates that we are
delivering employment-led regeneration in the area.

“Whereas other sites across the country may have stalled, here in North Somerset we are forging ahead.”

Richard Briggs, Managing Director, Special Projects, Persimmon Homes: “Persimmon Homes are delighted to be making a start on this site, which marks a significant commitment by our company to the delivery of jobs and homes in Weston.

“We look forward to continued joint working with North Somerset Council and its partners to make a success of the Junction 21 Enterprise Area”.

North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s Chief Executive Angela Hicks, said: “This announcement is excellent news for the business and local community.

“It brings the building of The Hive one step closer, which will be a huge leap towards start-up and small businesses having the advice, support and facilities on hand that they need to grow and create new jobs in the area.”

More information about the key sites and developments coming forward in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area can be found on the North Somerset business-focused inward investment website www.innorthsomerset.co.uk/j21ea