A HOTEL could be built at the new £150million Airport Business Park as bosses hope it can attract high-flying businesses from around the world.

The business park hit a major milestone this week as infrastructure work was completed, with 12 more units now set to be built on the site off Cherry Orchard Way, in Rochford.

Long term plans for the business park could see a hotel built on the site to help attract international business and to cater for business people landing at the neighbouring airport.

It is also hoped that “thousands of new jobs” will be created.

Kevin Robinson, councillor responsible for business, culture and tourism, said: “People working there will want food and drink. We will have a mix of businesses at the park.

“In the long term there could be a hotel. It is not far from the airport. If we can attract international clients to the park the airport could become a route to their businesses needs. We are promoting the business park both inside and outside the UK.”

Planning permission for the business park included cafes, restaurants, meeting and leisure facilities and a hotel.

Aircraft seating manufacture Ipeco Holdings was the first business to open at the site and is already eyeing an expansion.

Mr Robinson added: “I am delighted to see the project progressing at such a rapid pace. The Airport Business Park will play a key role in the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and the completion of the enabling works means that serviced plots are now available for development and for new and existing businesses to grow, providing thousands of new jobs in the town.

“Ipeco have moved in and have got options on a second building. A number of people are looking at options on the site and we could see more jobs coming in 2021.”

Construction of the three-storey Launchpad, a dedicated building to support start-ups and small to medium businesses is under way by developer HBD with Southend Council.

Harry Bunbury, director, said: “Airport Business Park Southend is an important scheme for both the local area and the wider region, supporting a thriving economy and creating valuable, skilled jobs.

“Work is continuing.”