St Mowden start work in Longridge on two buildings

St Modwen has started work on 37,000 sq ft of new office space in two new buildings at its £70 million Longbridge town centre.

Park Point will be a landmark Grade A office building overlooking the new £2m two-acre Austin Park that sits at the heart of the new town centre and will offer 20,000 sq ft over three storeys.

In addition, the two-storey Seven House will provide 17,000 sq ft of offices on High Street located adjacent to the new 85,000 sq ft Sainsbury's. The floorplates will be capable of sub-division to offer smaller office suites from around 2,000 sq ft to 6,500 sq ft.

Both buildings will complement the existing office space at the adjacent Longbridge Technology Park which is over 90 per cent let and will offer businesses looking to relocate or start up, a choice of options at the new commercial, leisure and retail destination which will benefit from 24-hour security and on-site car parking.

Mike Murray, senior development surveyor at St Modwen, said: "Park Point and Seven House will enhance the offering at Longbridge town centre, which will be one of the region's leading commercial, leisure and retail destinations when it opens in summer 2013.

"Businesses based at the buildings will also have access to a wide range of shops, cafes and leisure facilities within the town centre. These include the new Sainsbury's store which will be opening in summer 2013 as well as the 75-bedroom Premier Inn and Beefeater Grill."

Joint agents for the offices at Longbridge Andrew Venables of GVA and Nick Williams of Savills said: "The development of new offices at Longbridge is a great reflection on the success this major regeneration scheme has seen to date and a major economic boost for the area.

The significant level of investment already made by St Modwen has created a credible, contemporary business destination that over 50 businesses are already enjoying.

"With flexible modern office space combined with the exceptional position near to the new Austin Park, restaurants, cafes, shops and close communication links, Park Point and Seven House will offer businesses a pleasant and very convenient working environment. We expect to attract not only local occupiers to Longbridge but also new businesses who will benefit from the environment being created by St Modwen."

Contractor Morgan Sindall began building the town centre last month and is due to complete the scheme in 2013. Longbridge town centre is a key part in St Modwen's transformation of the former MG Rover works and will generate more than 1,000 jobs when completed.

Park Point, Seven House, the 80,000 sq ft Sainsbury's and 75-bedroom Premier Inn including Beefeater Grill will be accompanied by 24 shops, a number of restaurants and extensive car parking. The creation of the tree-lined Austin Park will lead to the opening up of the River Rea for the first time in 100 years.

Next year's opening of Longbridge town centre will bring investment at the former MG Rover site up to £250m since it was acquired by St Modwen in 2003.