CONSTRUCTION has begun on a £12 million development in Lakeside - only the third new industrial park to be built in Redditch in five years.

The Target Park development is being built in two phases. Due to the high level of interest being shown, work on the second phase will be rolled out immediately following the expected completion of the first phase in May.

Planning was granted last year for 110,000sq ft of manufacturing, distribution and light engineering units, on a 5.5-acre site in Shawbank Road.

The first phase is a build of 53,750sq ft, in units ranging from 6,000-12,250sq ft. The second phase, on the remaining three acres, is expected to be built as a pre-let, or pre-sale, for up to three occupiers.

Before construction started the former Dana Automotive factory was demolished and the site cleared to make way for the joint venture between Midlands-based Oakham Developments and Abacus Developments, the property investment and development arm of the Sir Robert McAlpine Group.

Kenny Allan, of Birmingham letting agents CBRE, said the lack of new stock in Redditch had already brought in a flood of enquiries.

"The nearest freehold new build is in the Droitwich area, so it's no surprise this development has caught everyone's attention.

"The number of enquiries has been so high we can foresee rolling on construction to Phase 2 immediately after Phase 1 is completed."

Oakham Developments director Andy Griffiths said: "We're delighted to have started on site and look forward to putting the first units under offer shortly."

For more details, call Kenny Allan on 0121 609 7666.