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Balanced growth

IT was 15 years ago when Catalyst Corby set out a vision of how the town should grow and evolve. A key component related to balancing housing growth with sustained employment opportunities.

Easy to say but much more difficult to achieve set against the vagaries of a global banking crisis which reared up just over 10 years ago – with the effects still being felt. Add to that the current uncertainties created by the UK’s future relationship with Europe and one can understand how the best laid plans can go awry.

However, recent significant inward investment wins by the town do suggest that job opportunities are increasing and matching the astounding housing growth that the town has witnessed over the last 15 years.

Locally-based developer Mulberry have made impressive strides with the Midlands Logistics Park to the east of the town. This site had remained fallow for over 15 years before the developer acquired it. After committing significant capital to bring the site forward, they secured Eddie Stobart in an award winning 850,000 square feet facility in March of last year. This has been quickly followed up by the developer contracting with Bosch Siemens Home Appliances who will lease 945,000 square feet of distribution space. Construction is under way and completion is scheduled for autumn of this year.

Philip Arnold, Director at Budworth Hardcastle said: “Warehouse job opportunities have always been looked down on. These state-of-the-art buildings offer very different working environments. Given the capital investment made in these large footprint sheds with their supply chain functions, the job opportunities tend to be long term. Added to that these large buildings require significant office based employment opportunities – an often missed point.”

The town has also attracted some medium-sized companies. Oakland International committed to Corby in 2017 securing an existing chill store facility in Eismann Way. The company has recently announced a £2.8m expansion on that site.

Hull based William Jackson Food Group acquired a 10-acre site off Phoenix Parkway in 2017 and are now fully operational with a state-of-the-art bakery focused exclusively on making bread specifically to supply sandwich makers.

Another baker, Bakeaway, already based in Corby are intending to re-locate to a new facility on Centrix Park. A planning application has been lodged for 92,000 square feet which is currently under consideration by the Planning Authority.

Philip Arnold added: “So, the town has secured more than its share of inward investment opportunities of late. When you look at the significant housing growth that has taken place and add to it the employment opportunities which are now feeding through into the system, you have to conclude that Corby is becoming a well-rounded town with community based facilities which must be the envy of other towns in the region.

“There is always a doubt whether the town could compete in attracting large footprint production and distribution uses – the last 18 months has satisfactorily answered that concern.”

For further information contact Philip Arnold at Budworth Hardcastle on 01536 483400 or email

Companies mentioned in this article

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