A new business park development in Cockermouth has already been filled with a wide range of businesses.
Auctioneers Mitchells officially opened the new development on Monday, which is near its Lakeland Livestock Centre, just off the Lamplugh roundabout.
Businesses now operating from the new units include the gym Lake District Barbell, Cumberland Stove Services, Cockermouth Kitchens, Cumbrian Baker, Derwent Groundworks, Carrs Billington Agriculture and Fulton Ltd trailer repairs.
Construction began in October 2020 with the help of funding from the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and support from HSBC bank. The development was completed last October and has been fully occupied with tenants since January.
“We recognised the need for new business premises in the Cockermouth area and knew we could make better use of the resources and space available next to our livestock mart,” said Mitchells chairman Ian Powley.
“Mitchells have had a very good year but we can’t afford to be complacent. Diversifying our business model by expanding the business park makes us more resilient to downturns in the economy and helps protect and strengthen Mitchells for the future.”
Local MP Mark Jenkinson, who attended the opening, said: “The opening of these new units represents a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs across the borough.
“The units are already filling up with a range of businesses from caterers to gyms. I have no doubt that these attractive new units will provide a superb base for a number of new and fledgling businesses – as well as for those outlets that are looking to expand into new premises.
“I am hopeful that this will prove to be a hugely successful venture not only for Mitchells as a well-established rural company, but for the wider business community. I am very pleased that Mitchells were able to access Government funding through Cumbria LEP to support their aspirations and vision for the site.”
