Investment could boost town economy

County council leaders say the creation of the Model Farm Enterprise Park could be the biggest economic development in Ross-on-Wye since the construction of the M50 motorway.

Contracts and assets cabinet member and Ross mayor Harry Bramer praised the £7m scheme as Herefordshire Council’s cabinet approved its capital investment program for the upcoming financial year today.

Council officers say the invesment in the 37-acre Hildersley site will provide up to 300,000 square feet of new commercial floorspace and could provide up to 1,000 jobs.

Councillor Bramer said the investment will bring high quality businesses to Ross.

“It is highly thought that this project is probably the most exciting thing, in economic terms, that has happened in Ross since the building of the M50,” he said.

“I’m delighted to see the council putting money in to making that project happen.”

Economy and communications cabinet member David Harlow agreed.

“It is important to be clear why we invest money in economy and place,” he said.

“We’ve heard some of the bits and pieces like the really exciting project in Ross-on-Wye.

“We are not just investing there because only think it is a good idea we think we are going to get a return from that more business rates produced in Ross.

“There is a clear business demand for it.

“This is why it is so important that in the county program we are spending it.”

The business park will be next to excellent road links, including the M50 and the A449 which links to the M4 corridor.