Barrack Court marches towards completion

Business units in the new Barrack Court are nearly complete and ready to be let. Barrack Court comprises a development of high quality, sustainable business units – light industrial and offices – in William Prance Road and is another of the council’s direct development schemes designed to address a shortage of modern business units.

The development is across two separate blocks, and occupies a highly prominent site on the wellestablished Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park.

The units offer:

• Brand new industrial/hybrid and office units

• Mezzanine floors in various configurations

• Allocated car parking and dedicated EV charging points.

The units are easily accessible via Tavistock Road to the west, via Derriford Roundabout and Brest Road to the North and will now also benefit from access to the new Platinum Parkway. Nearby occupiers include The Range HQ (directly opposite), PDSA Pet Hospital and HM Land Registry.

Councillor Mark Shayer, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy said: “It is great news to hear that Barrack Court is nearly finished. There is a shortage of high quality space for businesses so we are building to encourage expanding firms or new firms to the city to move in.

“Not only are we helping to meet the demand for employment space for over 50 jobs, we are helping secure local construction and supply chain jobs.

“It is in a great location. With the recent opening of the Platinum

Parkway, and the hospital close by, the units are in the perfect location near our cities most vital links.”

Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of the Barrack Court development, providing modern, purpose-built units to local businesses. We are delighted to have contributed £10.16 million to improve connectivity in the area through the Derriford Transport Scheme, which will increase traffic capacity and provide better links to businesses moving onto the site.”

David Agnew, director at Brady Construction Services added: “We are delighted to have delivered this prestigious and high-quality development for Plymouth City Council, which will provide fantastic working spaces for local businesses.

“We are proud to have offered employment and skills opportunities throughout the duration of the project in conjunction with Building Plymouth and to have been able to participate in the Open Sites initiative encouraging young people to pursue a career in the construction industry.”

Block 1 comprises a terrace of four light industrial/hybrid units of steel frame construction with insulated electric roller shutter doors and varying sizes of mezzanine floors. Details can be found at Block 1 Barrack Court (plymouth.gov.uk)

Block 2 comprises six individual offices over two floors – with the first floor units all having their own dedicated platform lift. Details at: Block 2, Barrack Court, William Prance Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5WR

All units have been designed flexibly so that they can be combined to create larger spaces, and will be available to the market on a leasehold basis, enquiries should be made to the appointed Commercial Agent – Vickery Holman on 01752 261811.

Across both blocks solar PV has been installed together with other sustainable features such as a highly efficient air source heat pump system, solar reflective glass, LED lighting increased levels of insulation, natural lighting and ventilation – all of which combine to try and minimise running costs and energy usage.

Internally, the units have been specified to a very high standard with all units benefitting from kitchenettes, dedicated WC’s and showers (supporting green methods of commuting - cycle, walking, running to work)

The scheme cost around £4 million and the Heart of South West Local Enterprise have contributed £1.6 million grant funding. The premises will form part of the council’s property portfolio, helping to bring in rental income into the city’s services.

Plymouth residents who will be 18-years-old by May 4 are encouraged to register to vote now and make sure they have eligible photo ID in time for this year’s local election.

With the deadline to register only a few weeks away on April 17, Plymouth City Council is encouraging all those eligible to vote to make sure that they take the opportunity to have their say in the election.

Registration is quick and easy and can be done online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/registervote and only takes a few minutes.

When registering, applicants can also apply for a postal vote. This means that during an election they will automatically be sent a ballot paper, so they can vote via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station.

Once registered applicants will be placed onto the electoral register – which means they won’t need to register again, unless moving house.

In addition, unlike parliamentary elections, students living in Plymouth, studying away from home, can register to vote in local elections in both their home town as well as Plymouth.

Tracey Lee, Returning Officer for Plymouth, said: “There are thousands of students and young adults in Plymouth that aren’t registered to vote, but care about our great city and want the opportunity to shape its future. We don’t want them to miss out. Their views are important.

“Registering to vote is quick, easy and has a number of benefits – not only can you take part in the democratic process, but it will also help with future credit checks. Helping with mortgages, loans or even a mobile phone contract.”

Those registered to vote, and plan to cast their ballot in person, will also have to show eligible photographic ID at polling stations from May. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge. Unfortunately, student ID is NOT an accepted form of ID.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can nregister for a postal vote by April 18, or can apply for free Voter Authority Certificate online at www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificateor by completing a paper form which is available from the Council. The deadline to apply for this ID is April 25