New business park to open (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

New business park to open

10:38am Sunday 11th May 2008

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A new centre to help nurture businesses and create more than 100 new jobs will open at the Castledown Business Park in Tidworth on Tuesday.

The Castledown Incubation Centre has been developed by Wiltshire County Council working with the South West of England Regional Development Agency, the Tidworth Development Trust and the military.

It is the first phase of a 33-acre business park being created by the South West RDA and developer St Modwen.

This first phase, known as Fitz Gilbert Court, comprises 21 small business units and will include an incubation centre, which will enable new businesses to use the facilities on offer for the first few years to help develop their business and encourage them to stay in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire County Council has provided the £1.4million funding for the innovation centre, while the South West RDA has provided £2.4million for the business units.

By providing businesses with access to specialist help and advice during their challenging early months, the centre will help to secure long-term, sustainable, economic activity for the community and unlock its business potential by bringing exciting new talent into the local market.

It is estimated that this will help Wiltshire's economy and create more than 100 jobs in an area which has traditionally been heavily dependent on the military garrisons.

Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire County Council, said: "The new incubation centre will help build on the military civilian integration programme by encouraging forces staff to start a business and stay in the area when they have finished their military employment. I am delighted we are able to provide this opportunity."

Castledown Business Park is a joint venture by the South West RDA and St Modwen Properties. The Innovation Centre proposal was drawn up in partnership with Wiltshire County Council, Tidworth Development Trust and Great Western Enterprise.

Enquiries about Castledown Business Park and future accommodation opportunities should be directed to marketing agents Stratfords Commercial on 01264 351622 or St Modwen on 0117 316 7780.

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