Work underway after official ground-breaking ceremony at new Daventry industrial estate

Ground-breaking ceremony at Signal Park, Daventry. (L-R at the front) Claymore Investments director Neal Shegog, Daventry district councillor Chris Millar and SEMLEP chairman Peter Horrocks

Work is underway on a 56,500 sqft industrial development in Daventry after the official ground-breaking ceremony yesterday (Thursday, October 8).

Signal Park will turn six acres of unused land into 15 units, which is expected to accommodate over 112 jobs as well as those from its design and construction.

In 2019, Claymore Investments was awarded a £3.2 million grant from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) to cover abnormal land preparation costs, enabling the project to proceed.

Claymore director Neal Shegog said: “Daventry is growing from strength to strength and as a locally based developer we are committed to supporting that growth and excited to be developing this prestigious project.

“Land available to build on is scarce in Daventry, which is inhibiting business growth. Our six-acre plot is located in one of the main industrial areas in the town.

"Until recently, the plot was considered unusable because the cost of levelling the hill meant it was considered impossible to profitably develop.”

The groundworks at Signal Park commenced on September 15, the construction of the steel frames will start in early December, and the scheme is due to be completed by July 2021.

The development has been branded ‘Signal Park’ – in recognition of Daventry’s history with radio.

The Daventry Transmitter, which opened nearby on July 27,1925, was the world's first long wave transmitting station and the phrase ‘Daventry Calling’ was renowned across the world, thanks to the BBC’s fledgeling World Service.

SEMLEP chairman Peter Horrocks said: “Daventry has lots of premises which cater for large warehouses and logistics operations, but the town lacks smaller industrial units which are essential if growing businesses are to remain in the town and Daventry is to attract national and regional businesses.

“This is a unique development in the area and one we are proud to be supporting.

"Daventry benefits from a skilled workforce and is already home to an array of engineering and motorsport companies. This development will strengthen the area yet further.”