120 new jobs for Sidley

Rother council has approved a scheme for an industrial park at Sidley goods yard.

The project will deliver 17,500 square feet of workshop units in sizes ranging from 500 to 1,500 square feet. This will provide 15 to 20 units depending on size.

Additionally it will provide a further 6,450 square feet of 'incubator' units of 250 to 500 square feet on 'easy-in, easy-out' terms, creating 15 to 20 commercial premises.

The scheme should deliver around 120 jobs and will regenerate an eyesore site in advance of the Hastings to Bexhill Link Road.

Funding will come from the council's capital programme and be met by capital receipts and, if approved, area investment framework (AIF) funding.

An application has been made for AIF money and approval is subject to purseholders being satisfied the scheme would be compromised or unviable without AIF support.

In the event AIF funding is not secured, a further report will be submitted to cabinet. The total cost of the scheme will be 2,103,000.

Design work will start in September with a planning application to follow soon after. Construction is expected to commence in 2008, with completion in 2009.

The project will be designed to minimise the 'carbon footprint', with buildings designed to be totally energy efficient.

Councillors have authorised the director of services to proceed with a restrictive tender for construction of the project.

The have also pledged to assist the long term tennant in finding alternative business premises.

Ward member, Cllr Jimmy Carroll, told the Observer: "It is a real red-letter day for Sidley and I hope that it will lead to better things for Sidley people."

He said the scheme would not prejudice hopes for the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road, scheduled to follow the course of the former Bexhill West to Crowhurst railway line through the site.

"One side of the old goods yard would be for industrial use and the other for the Link Road."

He added: "What I would like to see now is the return of a bank or building society at Sidley.

"It needs one."