A PROSPECTUS has been launched to promote Aviation Business Park as a site for businesses looking to expand or move.

Almost £40million is being spent on transport and infrastructure improvements around the park and neighbouring Bournemouth Airport.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which secured the money through the Dorset Growth Deal, has published its Business International Growth (BIG) Programme prospectus for the site.

The rebuild of the A338 Spur Road was the first infrastructure improvement under the BIG programme and the next stage of work is under considerations. The LEP says it is promoting the area as an attractive, well-established and successful business destination.

Gordon Page, chairman of Dorset LEP, said: “The BIG Programme prospectus promotes the benefits of Aviation Business Park to companies looking to expand or establish their business premises.

“Strategically located at Bournemouth Airport, it offers one of the most significant and exciting investment opportunities in the south of England and is Dorset’s number one priority for employment and economic growth.

“Commercial property developer Stoford has recently secured funding for a 160,000sqft unit at Aviation Business Park. Its prestigious airport base coupled with excellent local, national and international connectivity makes it an attractive business location.”

John Twigg, planning director for Manchester Airports Group, which owns the airport and business park, said: “Aviation Business Park currently supports over 200 individual businesses and has a strong reputation as a key specialist aerospace and manufacturing hub.

“MAG Property is heavily investing in Aviation Business Park which offers 60 hectares of prime, well-connected development land and high-quality, flexible business premises for local and multi-national companies.”

The LEP is examining options for access to the area and Wessex Fields, between Wessex Way and Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

These include the potential to develop Wessex Fields and create a new access to the hospital, as well as improvements to Blackwater junction, Hurn roundabout and Chapel Gate. It says it expects to have a clear idea of details by September.

Money from the Dorset Growth Deal is also being used to improve access to the Port of Poole, with work under way on Gravel Hill.