A NEW business park has thrown open its gates in Christchurch in a boost for the local economy.

Construction work has been completed at The Penton Business Park in Stony Lane in a £2.5m regeneration of a formerly disused site.

The Penton Motor Group has invested in the commercial property development to create a trading hub for firms, with up to 30 jobs being created.

Fellow Christchurch firm John Reid & Sons Ltd, or REIDsteel, was engaged to provide and install the full frame and envelope. It designed and manufactured the steel frames, with installation of the metal decking, cladding, roof sheeting, glazing and doors for the retail park.

Managing director at 130-strong REIDsteel Simon Boyd said: “As a Christchurch firm it is great to be involved in this superb development on our own doorstep.

“It’s been a privilege to take the scheme from the design of its structural steel, cladding, glazing and doors through to fabrication and installation.

“Our thanks to the Penton Motor Group for letting us play our part in supporting the local economy and community with this project.”

Toolstation has become the first occupier to open in one of four units at the park. A national tyre company and a major motorcycle dealership are also due to move in.

REIDsteel used 65 tonnes of British Steel as well as British made Tata composite panels for cladding at the site.

Over the past eight years the Penton Motor Group has built four new showrooms for its franchised motor business and renovated a further three separate investment buildings.

It has developed this ground-up commercial investment property in Christchurch to add to its non-motor trade portfolio.

Penton Group managing director Robert Wilson said: “The completed park looks even better than we expected, and it is great to see it open for business.

“We are very pleased at the result and will be seeking similar investments in the area. For this business park to attract some national and substantial expanding companies to trade from this location is a major success.

“It can only be good for the Christchurch and Bournemouth conurbation and local employment.

The Penton Business Park extends over a total of 1,885 sq metres, on a site formerly occupied by Boyland Joinery, and includes ample parking for 50 vehicles.

The Group, who wholly own and manage the site, is a 100 per cent family business of 50 years standing in the new and used car market with over 140 staff and turnover of £60 million.

Mr Wilson added: “It represents the major regeneration of a brown field-site which is expected to bring 30 plus new jobs and economic benefits for the area.

“We are pleased to have worked with a local firm of the calibre of REIDsteel on this project along with other high-quality contractors in the area.

“Congratulations to all involved especially our financial director Jan Dibden and his team who successfully headed up this project.”