Business opportunity knocks down on the farm
Published on 01/06/2007
TWO farming brothers have launched a bid to attract cutting-edge businesses to a quiet Cumbrian town.
Alan and Stephen Ewbank, of Enterber Farm, Kirkby Stephen, are converting land belonging to their dairy farm into an industrial estate.
Longtown contractor RH Irving began work on the project, at Christian Head last week.
The first phase involves building the park’s entrance route, internal road and the first 5,000sq ft unit.
Alan and Stephen have already talked to a number of firms interested in taking space on the park.
Alan said: “It’s a three-acre site with planning permission for an office or light industry unit, a general industry unit and a warehouse and distribution centre.
“There is room to grow as demand dictates.
“Units from 500sq ft to 5,000sq ft will be available to buy or let. “We have had interest from local companies and from firms from away.
“We want to be able to provide high quality jobs for the Eden Valley, attract new companies to Kirkby Stephen and give local businesses a chance to expand.
“It’s a fantastic site with stunning views and everyone in the town has been very supportive of the project – there have been no objections to our plans.
“Jobs in Kirkby Stephen are still mainly in agriculture and tourism and we hope this project can help the town’s economy grow.
“It’s part of farm diversification for us, we are still very much committed to the farm.”
Andrew Peill and Co estate agent, of Kendal, is dealing with sales and letting for the park.
