Contractors GF Tomlinson are on site at Network Space's Ashroyd Business Park in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, to begin construction work on five new industrial units.

Five high-specification detached units ranging from 10,900 sq ft to 52,500 sq ft, each with their own secure self-contained yards, are being built. All units are being developed speculatively, are available to let and are suitable for a wide range of industrial and distribution business uses. All the units are highly sustainable being constructed to BREEAM very good rating with superfast broadband connections and car charging points as standard.

Network Space acquired the three remaining development sites at Ashroyd in 2017. The final remaining development plot has outline planning consent for 95,000 sq ft and is being marketed as a design and build opportunity. 

The development is being delivered speculatively by Network Space in partnership with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council along with Sheffield City Region and its Jessica Fund from which it has received a loan of £6.13m to accelerate the delivery of the scheme.


Simon Peters, development director at Network Space, said: "Breaking ground at the site was a great moment for all parties and a clear demonstration of our confidence in the buoyancy of the region's economy.

"The development benefits from first-class transport links and we have every confidence that its prime location, matched with the quality of our end product, will result in us bringing new businesses and jobs to the site in the very near future."

Matt Gladstone, Barnsley Council Executive Director for Place, also said: "We're delighted to see this new high-quality development underway, having worked closely with Network Space to help them secure appropriate funding, assist with planning matters and provide ongoing support. Our award-winning economic development team, Enterprising Barnsley, will be available to provide a comprehensive range of business support to future occupiers at this first-class location.

"This is great news for the borough, providing further opportunities to boost our local jobs market and Barnsley's economy."

Ed Norris from agent CPP, said: "Speculative development at Ashroyd is just what the occupier market needs. Quality units in a quality location which will appeal to both South and West Yorkshire occupiers looking for space along the M1 corridor. Network Space have a proven track record to deliver the right product and we anticipate strong demand for the whole development."

Construction work is scheduled to complete in spring 2020.

Less than two miles from junction 36 of the M1, existing occupiers at Ashroyd Business Park include Universal Components, Euramax and Storefirst. The project team includes: Commercial Property Partners (agent), GF Tomlinson (main contractor), WCP Associates (project managers), The Harris Partnership (architect), CBRE (funding adviser) and William Saunders Partnership (structural and civil engineer).

Network Space has been providing industrial workspace and warehousing for over 35 years and intends to deliver 2.5 million sq ft of industrial property over the next five years.

(MH/JG)