LEP grant boosts development on Enterprise Zone in Wakefield

10 February 2020

Today (Monday 10^th February) the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) agreed to a multi-million pound grant that facilitates further development on South Kirkby, part of Leeds City Region Enterprise Zones.

South Kirkby has secured £2.7 million funding from the LEP, delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

The scheme is being led by developer Marshall Construction (West Yorkshire) Limited. The site will offer 65,500 square feet of commercial space and the potential to host up to 115 jobs.  It will include a total of four new units. The first three units are being speculatively built and due for completion in March 2021.

Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair of the LEP and NP11 said:

“Our £2.7 million investment in the South Kirkby Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone site demonstrates our commitment to creating the infrastructure for economic growth. I look forward to seeing work start on site next month.”

Chris Marshall of Marshall Commercial Development Projects Limited, said:

“Marshall Construction (West Yorkshire) is very pleased to be involved with the development on this industrial park on which construction is due to commence early March.

“We would like to thank the Combined Authority and Wakefield Council for their support on this project which hopefully will create many new jobs over the next few years, both in the new units and also the construction on site.”

South Kirkby is one of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zones which is supported by the LEP, the Combined Authority, Wakefield Council, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Marshall Construction (West Yorkshire) Limited.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council said:

“This is fantastic news for the next stage of South Kirkby’s development. Since the enterprise zone was launched it has been a great success, providing jobs and opportunities for business growth in our district and will continue to play an important role in supporting our local, district and regional economies.”

Significant progress has been made on Enterprise Zone sites across the Leeds City Region, which will deliver over 1.5 million square feet of new commercial space in the form of 21 new business units. To date, eight new units, totalling 246,700 square feet, have been delivered, enabling new occupiers to create jobs for local residents.

Designated areas that provide tax breaks and government support, Enterprise Zones are aimed at both new and expanding firms. They are a driving force for the economy by unlocking key development sites, consolidating infrastructure, attracting business and creating jobs.

All business rates growth generated from this initiative are kept by the LEP and local authorities to reinvest in local economic growth. This reflects the Government’s commitment to long-term economic growth and enables to LEP to reinvest in site development and other local priorities, such as workforce skills development.