NEW workspaces for small and medium-sized businesses have opened off London Road.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has this week opened the Duttons Business Centre units for lease use by manufacturing, technology and energy firms.

The units, built by Wynne Construction, have been certified as 'excellent' under the Building Research Establishment environmental assessment method (BREEAM) ratings.

Cllr Brian Clarke, CWAC cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “Providing workspaces like this is a key component of what we are doing as a council to ensure this is a great place to do business.

"We aim to maintain a thriving economy for the area and we want to facilitate that in a number of ways."

Already signed up to move into one of the units in Northwich is FEL Valves, which makes and sells parts and components to major global manufacturers of power generators.

The company has been based in Wincham since its formation in 1997 and has been looking for a suitable new base for many years.

Andrew Wilson, of FEL Valves, said: “We had outgrown our previous premises. The type of work we are doing needs certain space and it became more difficult to function with the old set up.

“The layout of this new building suits our business much more and we can segregate the clean from the dirty area of the building. Within this size of building, 2,500 sq ft, we can perform very well and can attract employees and bring our customers to come and look at us and see what we do.

“Moving here gives us the opportunity to employ local people. We have got permanent staff, who are loyal to us. It is important they can travel here, and the local amenities are better than before."

The 30-week build replaced derelict buildings that had been previously demolished. Each new unit has a floor area of 245sq m and comprises an office, kitchen, toilet facilities and workshop area.

Graham Dickson, contracts manager at Wynne Construction, said: “This was our first contract with CWAC, so we’re particularly pleased it went so well. Achieving the BREEAM excellent rating was the icing on the cake.

“We’re now all looking forward to having the opportunity to develop a long working relationship with the authority, in the same way we have with other clients.”

To find out how to access the council's business support, contact business@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

For premises enquiries, call 01606 271537 or 01244 977176, or visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/propertytolet