Falmouth’s Bickland Industrial Park Set for Extension With European Funding Support

Up to £3,382,436 of European Regional Development Funding has been secured to support the extension of Falmouth’s Bickland Industrial Park.  The extension to Bickland Industrial Park which is already home to the likes of Rowes Cornish Bakers, will provide a range of high quality, flexible hybrid office/industrial units, to meet market demand from local companies in the Falmouth area.

This investment is part of the Growth Programme, the European economic regeneration programme for the region. Running until 2020, it will contribute to the EU ambition to deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.  This includes amongst a number of other areas, addressing underlying infrastructure issues that will drive the growth of small and medium sized enterprises.

Early indicators show high interest in the proposed space from small and medium sized enterprises in and around the local area as new businesses seek start up space whilst established businesses look to grow.  The growth in business will secure existing jobs as well as creating important new opportunities which in turn helps the growth of the economy in Cornwall.

The proximity of the site to higher education institutions in Falmouth will give businesses access to academic expertise and research and development activity that could support innovative business ideas with high growth opportunities in emerging sectors.

The project which has attracted £3,885,506 of private sector investment will begin in 2017.

Julian German, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy said, “I am delighted that European funding has been used to support this development, matching private sector investment. We know that businesses are struggling to find good quality work space to move into and this development provides an excellent opportunity to retain local businesses as well as attract inward investment. Supporting business growth will mean more better paid jobs for residents.”

Steve Russell, Director, of Falmouth Developments Ltd  who are leading the project said, “We are extremely pleased that we are now finally in a position to deliver this much needed investment in high quality employment space in Falmouth.”

Russell Dodge, Managing Director of Cornwall based Business Location Services Ltd who will support the development said, “The securing of ERDF grant funding is the culmination of some 3 years work and we are delighted to be involved in such a high profile project that will make a significant contribution to the economy of Falmouth.”

Notes to Editors

European Regional Development Fund

The project has received up to £3,382,436 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

Contact
For further information please contact Alex Ledbrooke, Engagement Officer, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ITI Support Team (European Structural and Investment Funds)
Mobile – 07854 039960, Tel – 01872 322693, Email – aledbrooke@cornwall.gov.uk