Build to suit at Capitol Park, Barnsley given first nod

Planners at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council have given outline planning permission for a new business park on land at Capitol Park in Dodworth.

The council’s planning board agreed in principal to the development of 12.63 acres for general industrial use plus storage and distribution facilities at Capitol Close, just off junction 37 of the M1 motorway near Barnsley.

Developer CDP Marshall has worked closely with the council and Enterprising Barnsley to bring the plans for the units ranging from 20,000 to 150,000 sq ft to fruition on the site, which has Enterprise Zone status.

Chris Marshall from CDP Marshall said: “This decision has come about following close liaison with the council. We have an enviable track record of delivering distribution warehouse, retail parks, offices, hotels and leisure uses. We now have 12.63 acres of fully serviced land ready for immediate development.

“There are indicative layouts but we would welcome the opportunity to sit down and understand occupiers specific requirements, so that a detailed proposal can be tabled on the accommodation which ranges from 20,000 to 150,000 sq ft of industrial and warehouse accommodation. Units will be available for sale or to let.

“As one of the largest commercial development companies in the North of England and are able to respond quickly to occupiers requirements offering bespoke build to suit options.”

Outline planning was granted for general industrial use and storage and distribution use with ancillary offices.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank in Sheffield, which is marketing the scheme, said: “This is a well located site immediately adjacent to J37 M1 and also falls within the Sheffield City Region designated Enterprise Zone.

“Incentives are available to qualifying occupiers including 100 per cent capital allowances, further details of which are available upon application.”

Businesses moving into the new development may also qualify for business growth support through Enterprising Barnsley, the economic development arm of Barnsley Council.

Shaun Higginbottom, business investment manager at Enterprising Barnsley, said: “Barnsley attracted its highest level of inward investment last year with 23 new businesses moving to the borough and is set to exceed this figure this year.  Capitol Park is an excellent location for business and we look forward to supporting CDP Marshall and Knight Frank to develop the site and attract occupiers.”

The 36-acre current Capitol Park has proved hugely successful to date and is home to a mixture of office and industrial occupiers. Existing occupiers include Ramada Encore, the Christy Group, Sheffield Children’s Hospital patient retrieval centre, Emcor, Pit Stop Productions and Kings Capitol Clinic.

It is located immediately adjacent to J37 M1 and two miles from Barnsley town centre. Sheffield, Rotherham, Wakefield and Leeds are within easy reach, as is the M62, M18 and A1(M) motorways.