Vision Express wants to build £800m plant
PLAN TO BUILD AT SITE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF CLIFTON
A VISION Express production plant could open at a new £800m business park on the outskirts of Clifton.
Plans for the plant at Fairham Business Park have been submitted on behalf of optical group Grandvision for its Vision Express arm.
The firm is currently located at several sites in and around Nottingham.
The proposed multi-million-pound facility, earmarked for the site south of Clifton and off the A453, will bring three existing operations together for the first time, safeguarding hundreds of jobs.
Michael Flint, of Vision Express, said: “By bringing these plans forward and working in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and Clowes Developments, we are looking to maintain our presence in the Nottingham area.
“Following significant research, we have identified Fairham Business Park as our preferred location as it will allow us to bring our operations together into one new facility which will provide significant advantages for the productivity of the business and also allow us accommodate an increased workforce in excess of the 360 people already employed.
“With greater and green transport links, the move will bring recruitment opportunities to the area and will further strengthen our logistics process.”
The application is being brought forward as part of the wider masterplan for the vast Fairham development, a joint venture between Derbyshirebased Clowes Developments and Homes England, the Government’s housing accelerator. Outline planning permission is in place for one million square feet of commercial space within the 50-acre Fairham Business Park.
Up to 3,000 homes are also expected to be built as part of the Fairham neighbourhood, known as Clifton Pastures – and the tram network could also be extended towards East Midlands Airport.
Outline planning permission has also been granted for a primary school and community and sports facilities. Clowes development director James Richards said: “Bringing forward plans for a new state-of-the-art facility for an organisation of the calibre of Vision Express clearly sets the scene for our aspirations for Fairham Business Park. “The business park is already attracting interest from a wide range of organisations and this application for a new production facility underlines the strength of our location and offer. “We look forward to making further announcements as and when more deals come forward.” Subject to permission, construction could start in April, allowing for occupation by the end of the year.
It will allow us to bring our operations together into one new facility Michael Flint, Vision Express