Plans to build a new 52,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Hollymoor Point in Rubery have been given the go ahead by council planners.

Hortons’ Estate Developments Ltd and development partner Trebor Developments LLP have secured planning consent for the building, which is pre-let to Aquapak Polymers Ltd.

The company, part of the Adi Group, has agreed a 15-year lease.

Aquapak Polymers, currently based in Kings Norton, is investing in the new facility as part of its ongoing expansion plans. Up to 70 jobs are expected to be created.

Hortons’ Estate Developments Ltd, which owns the site, will retain the leasehold investment in its existing investment portfolio.

Work has commenced on site following the appointment of Greswolde Construction as the construction contractor. Practical completion is scheduled for December 2016.

Bob Tattrie, managing partner at Trebor Developments LLP, said: “It is great to see work start on site, having only agreed terms earlier this year. We have overlapped design, planning and construction lead in periods to provide fast-track delivery, without increasing costs.

Given the lack of new build industrial units across the Midlands, occupiers are requiring developers to deliver space quickly and cost effectively to meet their accommodation needs.”

Mike Everard, Aquapak Polymers’ MD, said: “We are excited to move into the next phase development at Hollymoor Point. The team at Trebor Developments and Hortons’ have all worked very hard to get us to this point so quickly.

Commencing the build marks a significant milestone for Aquapak Polymers and moves our plans to establish a claean manufacturing facility in the Midlands a further step closer.”

Malcolm Priest, managing director of Greswolde Construction, said: “The Greswolde Construction team is relishing this time challenge.  We are delighted to be assisting in bringing this important project to fruition.”

Following the pre-let to Aquapak Polymers and previous developments for NVC and West Midlands Ambulance Service, there is now just over one acre remaining for development at Hollymoor Point, which can accommodate a new 12,000 sq ft facility.

Photo left to right: Bob Tattrie (Trebor), Paul Northover (Aquapak), Richard Norgrove (Hortons’), Mike Everard (Aquapak), Chris Harrison and Malcolm Priest (Greswolde) and Alan Lusty (Adi Group).