The first phase of work to construct a new 3.15 acre development of light industrial and warehousing units within the new Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft enterprise zone started on Wednesday.

Great Yarmouth borough council leader Steve Ames cut the first sod on the �3.75m Blackfriars Court scheme on Beacon Park, at Gorleston, which will consist of 15 units, ranging from 295 sq m (3,087ft2) to 697 sq m.

Lowestoft-based Wellington Construction is carrying out the work and units are being offered on either freehold or leasehold terms and under the enterprise zone scheme, businesses could qualify for five years of rates relief, subject to terms and conditions.

Situated on the southern side of Great Yarmouth, Beacon Park currently comprises 25 acres of mixed office, industrial and leisure development. Wellington Construction, the major developer on the site, has already completed large buildings, as well as developing an office campus, Wellington Park. Joint agents are Arnolds and Bycroft Commercial.

Paul Pitcher, director at Wellington Construction, said the development would consist of energy-efficient light industrial/warehousing buildings, including power floated concrete floors, full height shutter doors, low energy lighting and fit-out options including additional mezzanine flooring.

'Blackfriars Court is a great opportunity for businesses to locate within the New Anglia Enterprise Zone, with all the benefits that brings in terms of rates relief, super-fast broadband and accessibility,' he said. 'This is the first speculative industrial construction to start on Beacon Park since the Enterprise Zone was announced, making Blackfriars Court an important first step in growing the park into the premier business location in the east of the county.'

shaun.lowthorpe@archant.co.uk