Developer begins construction of eco-friendly business spaces

​The 62,000 sq ft scheme, which is due for completion in May next year, is expected to create over 130 new jobs, providing environmentally sustainable office accommodation for 134 staff in 41 “workpod” office units of 1,450 sq ft and 1,600 sq ft in two, three and four-unit blocks.

The project has attracted £1.5m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF programme 2007-13.

The scheme, which will be known as Fountain Court Workpods was awarded to Henry Boot by Leeds-based developer Prospect Property Group.

​T​he business park site was home to RAF Finningley’s parade ground and barracks before the air base was closed and redeveloped as Robin Hood Airport in 2005.

In its new incarnation it will be home to eco-friendly workpods constructed to what Prospect described as the highest environmental standards. It added that the site will be ​one of ​the most energy efficient office development in the region.

The workpods will feature large windows, super-high insulation and roof lights equipping them to retain maximum heat and light from the sun.

Jonathan Raistrick, projects director at Prospect Property Group, said: “The workpods at Fountain Court will be a remarkable place to work in terms of their environmental credentials and energy efficiency, while their location, right next to the airport and with massively upgraded road and rail links on the doorstep, has to be one of the best in Yorkshire.

“Not surprisingly, we are already receiving a steady stream of enquiries, both from investors and from potential tenants.”

Tony Shaw, director of Henry Boot Construction, said: “We are really excited to have started work on Fountain Court, which will provide Doncaster with a top- notch facility.

​“​It’s a cutting edge scheme in many ways and one that will be a real boost to South Yorkshire.”

Bob Johnson, cabinet member for regeneration at Doncaster Council, said: “The scheme is indicative of the forward-looking and joined-up approach to regeneration that we are striving for in Doncaster, delivering new jobs and quality sustainable business space.

​“​Securing ERDF funding is an exhaustive process and one that marks out the credentials of Doncaster International Business Park as a long-term asset to the South Yorkshire economy.”

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was set up in 1975 to stimulate economic development in less prosperous regions of the European Union.

The fund is designed to support the European Union’s policy to redress imbalances in development between regions and member states.

The cash is used to support projects that the EU believes can help local economies address the challenges of globalisation and contribute to delivering Europe’s 2020 strategy of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.