Our Plans

Employment spaces

The first outline planning application for the Woodhall neighbourhood will be the employment space. The logistics sector has been the strongest performing commercial sector in England for the last decade, and with enough opportunities to grow in sites like Woodhall, wage growth and wider investment within the sector will also likely outpace the wider economy.

Bringing this space forward first allows us to work with the occupiers to create jobs for the local and wider community as early in the process as possible, attracting people of all skill levels, giving the neighbourhood a strong start.

The employment space will have its own vehicular entrance, separate to the entrance to the residential areas, and will be carefully designed to complement the neighbourhood. The buildings will be designed around existing trees and landscaping where possible and will be enhanced by a wider planting scheme. The buildings themselves will be delivered in a sustainable way, and designed as warm, bright and attractive places for employees to work.

The site will deliver around 1.1 million square feet of employment floorspace which: 

  • Strengthens the local economy, bringing much needed jobs and economic growth, as well as boosting existing businesses through employee spending.
  • Can provide a diverse range of jobs, including highly-skilled and office-based roles, making it a sought-after place to work as companies bring their whole operations to one bespoke place.
  • Allows companies to invest and grow in the area, retaining the specialist workforce they have developed.

Employment First

  • The first outline planning application for the Woodhall neighbourhood will be for the employment space. Bringing this space forward first allows us to work with the occupiers to create jobs for the local and wider community as early in the process as possible.
  • Key infrastructure will be delivered during this stage, setting the groundwork for future phases of the Worcestershire Parkway New Settlement.

Type of Use

  • The proposed development will allow for companies from either use class B2 (industrial) or B8 (storage or distribution). This could offer opportunities for a variety of companies and could be used as a base for an entire business, with jobs for all skills levels, some practical and some office based.
  • Future occupiers could provide a diverse range of jobs as part of the manufacturing, distribution and logistics uses which could include administrative and management roles, technical specialists and more manual roles making it a sought-after place to work as companies could bring their whole operations to one location.

Sustainability

  • Buildings will be designed to meet or exceed current energy standards, with a focus on minimising carbon emission and environmental impact.
  • A Travel Plan for the whole employment area will be put in place which will secure sustainable travel including bus accessibility, active travel routes to the new Town Centre, Worcestershire Parkway railway station and existing and proposed residential areas, on site bike storage, lockers and shower facilities and electric vehicle charging points.