New workshops to attract businesses

Construction has started on new workshops in Fort William as part of an effort to encourage business start up and growth in the Lochaber area.

Lochaber Enterprise is investing a total of £311,000 in the project and hopes that the new development will address the demand for workshop space and increase the range of small, affordable premises available to new and existing businesses.

A terrace containing five separate units will be constructed on Site 13A at Annat Point Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Fort William. With unit sizes ranging from 50 to 200 square metres as well as on site car parking and office facilities they will be suitable for small to medium sized manufacturing, assembly, craft or processing businesses.

Dianne Smith, property and infrastructure manager for Lochaber Enterprise welcomes the proposed plans: "Good quality accommodation is a key factor in attracting businesses to the area, and as demand for this type of accommodation is running high at the moment this development is a welcome boost to our property portfolio.

"We are keen to encourage new business starts and provide the opportunity for existing ones to expand. These workshops should help us achieve our target for new business starts over the coming year."

David Mee Architect has designed the units and construction is expected to be complete by the end of Spring next year.

Interested parties should contact Dianne Smith on 01397 704 326.