THURLEIGH AIRFIELD BUSINESS PARK GETS GO AHEAD FOR LONGSTANDING TENANT TO EXPAND

St. Modwen has gained planning consent for the development of a new 40,000 sq ft workshop and office facility creating 200 new jobs for SMH Fleet Solutions Ltd, an existing tenant at Thurleigh Airfield Business Park.

Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the proposals by the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, to develop 30 acres of the Business Park to accommodate SMH’s expanding business needs.

The new workshop will provide SMH Fleet Solutions Ltd, a specialist vehicle management and logistics firm, with a new modern facility to replace its existing workspaces for the inspection, repair and refurbishment of vehicles.

In addition, the existing area of hardstanding used by SMH will be expanded by an additional 18 acres, in order to accommodate further vehicle storage. Construction work is likely to commence in early 2017. 

The 389 acre Thurleigh Airfield Business Park is owned and actively managed by St Modwen. The former airfield is home to over 20 businesses with the predominant use being vehicle processing and logistics.

SMH Fleet Solutions Ltd has been a tenant at Thurleigh Airfield Business Park since 2001 and Rupert Wood, Regional Director at St. Modwen said:
“This this development will ultimately create new jobs and employment opportunities, which will benefit the wider community.”

Martin McAuley, a Director at SMH Fleet Solutions Ltd said:
“This exciting new development will provide SMH with an industry leading facility and create high value employment opportunities in the local area.”