WORK on a £150million business park is in full swing with plenty of interest from potential retailers.

Phase one of the Airport Business Park Southend is well underway and is expected to be completed on time over the summer.

New rugby pitches have been seeded and constructed for the new Westcliff Rugby Club base and a planning application for a new clubhouse has been submitted to Rochford District Council, which has consulted with Southend Council on the project.

Southend Council has also released the latest images of the site, showing the most up to date progress.

Although details of interested retailers have yet to be announced, councillor Ann Holland, responsible for culture, tourism and the economy at Southend Council, says there is plenty of interest.

She added: “At the same time as the construction progress continues across the site we are experiencing a strong level of enquiries from both local and regional occupiers and look forward to furthering and continuing those discussions with our chosen agency teams and our partner Henry Boot Developments in the weeks and months ahead.

“Work on Airport Business Park Southend continues to go well, with replacement rugby pitches constructed and seeded, the application for a new clubhouse submitted to Rochford District Council, and the first phase of road and services infrastructure well underway and still on schedule for completion in the summer.

“This project is crucial to the area’s future prosperity, with our plans set to generate thousands of new jobs in attractive, modern business space near Southend Airport.”

Councillor Mike Steptoe, deputy leader of Rochford District Council, is also excited about the project’s progress. He said: “It’s great to see work is steaming ahead as this site will provide such fantastic opportunities for economic growth in both the Rochford District and Southend.

“ I look forward to the completion of the work, which is expected this summer, as this landmark development will then begin to pay dividends in relation to inward investment and the creation of thousands of jobs.”

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