Angus Council is consulting on proposals for a new multi-million pound business park for Arbroath which could eventually accommodate around 1,000 jobs.

The submission of the pre-planning application notice for the site to the west of Elliot Industrial Estate is the council’s first step in the projected 12 year development plan for a new business park.

The council is proposing the development of the site in two phases; with phase one to be carried out in the next two years. This would be followed by a second round of development about 10 years later, when it is estimated that the initial development would be approaching full occupancy.

The completed business park would provide around 28 plots, ranging from 0.5 acres/0.2 hectares to 5 acres/2 hectares, for sale for general industrial, manufacturing, storage and distribution, and office uses. New access roads from the existing estate would be installed as would services to each development plot. Based upon employment levels at Arbroath Enterprise Park, it is estimated that over 1,000 jobs could be accommodated on a fully occupied site.

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Commenting on the proposals, the council’s economic development spokesman councillor David May said: "This development would be a big investment in Arbroath’s future – creating a supply of business land in the town for the next 20 years.

"We are currently working on the detailed costings to confirm the project’s financial viability. If the costs stack up the development could start sometime in 2011."

Councillor May said the new development would address the town’s growing shortage of business development sites: "The proposed business park would boost Arbroath’s potential for economic growth. Without it businesses expansion and new investment opportunities will be severely limited."

The council is displaying the project plans at the Harbour Visitor Centre, Fishermarket Quay, Arbroath, from Monday 22 to Friday 26 February 2010, to gather people’s views as part of the pre-planning application consultation process.

The display is open daily from 9am to 5pm daily with an extended session on Wednesday 24 February when council officers will be on hand between 4pm and 7pm to take questions and note any comments on the proposals.

(GK/BMcC)