Work on Stortford South business park stops after builder Readie Construction Ltd goes into administration

Work on a controversial industrial park in the south of Bishop’s Stortford has stopped after the builder went into administration.

The scheme for 12 industrial units, as part of the 750-home St James’ Park estate being built off Whittington Way and St James’ Way by house builder Countryside, has attracted protests from residents in both Stortford and Sawbridgeworth concerned over lorry movements.

But at the beginning of this month it was reported that logistics and warehouse firm Readie Construction Ltd had gone into administration and ceased trading with immediate effect.

A statement from developer Wrenbridge said: “Readie, the contractor for Wrenbridge’s employment site at Bishop’s Stortford South, has entered administration.

“Wrenbridge will be working to procure a new contractor as soon as possible to complete the development.

“Wrenbridge and its partners remain committed to providing the employment scheme envisaged for the site and wider Bishop’s Stortford area.”

Bishop’s Stortford-based commercial property agent Coke Gearing, which is charged with finding tenants for the development, says on its website that the park was due to be completed in the final quarter of 2023.

“It offers a highly sustainable, modern design, providing a prime location for urban logistics and distribution, manufacturing and R&D [research and development].

“The units have been designed to be sustainable and energy saving, with low-energy heating and cooling systems, PIR LED lighting to all office spaces and high levels of insulation.

“There will be extensive landscaping with cycle and walking routes to encourage sustainable commuting, green roof covered cycle storage, changing and shower facilities to all offices and an accent on wellbeing. Electric charging points for cars, electric cycles and HGVs will be provided.”

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