Work to begin on �3.5million office complex

After several years of ‘frustrating’ delays, work on the project at the former Weston Airfield site will finally begin early next year, and could even be completed within 12 months.

When completed, it will feature a 20,000 square foot building which will have room for about 50 offices.

The project, which has been undertaken by the North Somerset Enterprise Agency, was due to be completed in 2010 but was held up by planning and funding issues as the recession hit the South West.

But now the project has finally been given the go ahead and work will begin in the New Year.

The site will include new offices for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency as well as office space for start-up businesses which it is hoped will provide new jobs for the area.

Henry Parkinson, from property firm CBRE Bristol, has been managing the project.

He said: “The delays have been frustrating for everyone involved but this is a really exciting project in many ways and I am sure it will be worth the wait when it is finally completed.

“What we are looking at is a flexible office space which will be used by new businesses. The idea is that they will be able to expand into space as it suits them and will not have to worry about dealing with all the other issues that come with running a business premises.

“Now that all the delays are out of the way we are looking to be on site early next year. This new centre will be built to the highest standards in terms of sustainability and energy saving measures.

“We will also be looking to use local contractors and local suppliers wherever possible. It is one of the most interesting projects we have been involved in for some time.”

Work began earlier this year to create a new roundabout on the site ahead of the building work.

It is the first stage of the cross airfield road which will link the A371 with Winterstoke Road.

The roundabout is expected to be finished within nine months, while the road will take about five years to complete.