A thriving Southend business is the first to take possession of new premises in the £150million Airport Business Park.

Ipeco Holdings, which manufactures seating for aircraft crews, took the keys to the first industrial unit to be completed in the 50-acre business park off Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford.

The business park, being created as a collaboration between developers HBD and Southend Council, is expected to create thousands of new jobs and boost the local economy.

Kevin Robinson, councillor responsible for business, culture and tourism, said: “I am delighted to see Ipeco Holdings officially take control of their property within the Airport Business Park.

“This is a big step forward for the site and just part of our long term plans, which will see thousands of jobs created for local people.

“The business park is vital to drive opportunity, prosperity and economic growth of both Southend and the wider region.

“It will create more local employment, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, local business to expand and new ones to invest.”

When finished, the business park will boast approximately one million square feet of office space, warehouses and hotel accommodation, as well as an innovation centre for new start-ups.

It is expected to create in excess of 7,000 jobs.

Adrian Schofield, Senior Director at HBD, said: “Airport Business Park is an important part of the ambitious new vision for Southend - £150m is being invested in high-quality space and infrastructure at the business park, driving growth and attracting crucial inward investment.

“Work on Ipeco’s bespoke, 124,000 sq. ft. building progressed quickly on site and we look forward to seeing the business move into its new home later this year following the completion of fit-out works.”

Mike Gray, managing director of Dedman Gray, which is helping to market the units said: “It is great to see progress stepping up. As joint marketing agents, with Kemsley LLP, we are encouraged by the increasing number of enquiries being received.

“It seems many growing businesses are now considering their requirements for future trading, and the business park is certainly proving to be a popular choice.”

Colin Herman,  Director of Kemsley LLP added: “I am delighted to see the Business Park is primed ready for occupiers, and the new speculative industrial development is in for planning right now.

"This should soon offer individual units to smaller business reedy for delivery during the summer of 2021."