News

Westlakes Properties Limited (WPL) is pleased to announce that it has placed a major contract with local firm, Thomas Armstrong for the construction work associated with the second phase of its expansion.

Dr Doug Millington, WPL General Manager said "We are delighted that Thomas Armstrong has won this contract   to install new infrastructure at Westlakes in the face of stiff competition.   The work will involve the creation of seven fully serviced plots and the completion of our ring-road.   The project will provide a long-term basis for further growth on the Park in addition to the temporary jobs created during the construction phase.   It will ensure that we have the capability of meeting future demand in a high growth location and is a major step on the way to achieving our long-term aim of 1,500 people working at Westlakes.   We are confident that, as with Phase 1, the existence of this new development will provide a direct attraction to companies wishing to re-locate here in their own facilities."

One particular aspect of the project will, subject to planning permission, be the creation of a small helipad on the East side of the Park.   This facility will improve business access, both to Westlakes and West Cumbria as a whole.

George Todhunter, Managing Director of Thomas Armstrong added "It is very gratifying to be awarded this, our second project, on the Westlakes Science & Technology Park .   We congratulate WPL on securing the continued investment in the Technology Park , and also with the award of this contract reaffirming their investment in the skills and expertise of the workforce we have here in West Cumbria ".

The construction work, which is expected to last about 12 months, forms part of a larger £6M project funded by the European Union, the North West Development Agency and the West Cumbria Development Fund.   On completion of construction, extensive landscaping work will follow.

Update

Planning permission for the helipad has been granted and is now under construction.   The Phase 2 project is well advanced with all the plateaux constructed.   It is within budget and is expected to be completed on schedule by April 2004.

For further information contact:

Mr Tim Hirst

Chief Executive Officer
Telephone Number: 01946 595290
Fax Number: 01946 595202
E-mail:  dat@westlakesproperties.co.uk

Contact:  Mr George Todhunter
Telephone Number:  01900 68211
Fax Number:  01900 602672
E-mail:  Flimby@thomasarmstrong.co.uk