Another significant milestone in the continued development of the £150million Airport Business Park Southend is now in place.

A contractor has been appointed to build a new clubhouse and ground for Westcliff Rugby Club.

The club will make the short move to the north of the one million sq ft development off Cherry Orchard Way.

Southend-based company AW Hardy will carry out the work on the clubhouse using local workers and pitches have already been installed.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “The development of a new clubhouse represents the final stage of the rugby club’s relocation, following the development and seeding of the new pitches which are bedding in well under a maintenance contract.

“Initial infrastructure has been completed and looking further forward, Henry Boot Developments is now preparing planning applications for further infrastructure to be developed on the site.”

Work is also progressing on the park itself.

The construction of the first part of the spine road and roundabout is complete. Work will now take place to finalise utility plans and then construct them on the site.

Once built, the business park is expected to attract occupiers from the medical technology, aviation, advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors as well as some of the high-end support services, including commercial buildings.

Ms Holland added: “At the same time as the construction progress continues across the site we are continuing to experience strong levels of inquiries from both local and regional occupiers.

“We 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.

“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.

“Any businesses keen to find out more about the development can visit abp-southend.com for further information.”