NEW industrial units on the edge of Felixstowe port have rapidly taken shape - with the first ones nearing completion and set to bring dozens of new jobs to the town.

NEW industrial units on the edge of Felixstowe port have rapidly taken shape - with the first ones nearing completion and expected to bring dozens of new jobs to the town.

Eight of the 13 units in phase one have been sold, while phase two will comprise a further 11 units of 2,500 sq ft which could be combined to suit larger occupiers or customised to suit specific requirements.

The site in Carr Road has excellent links to the A14 and UK markets, and also the wider world via the port and its connections with countries all over the globe.

Masterlord Estates Ltd is developing six acres of land around the Indo European Foods factory in Langer Road.

The factory units - to be called Summit Business Park - will have a total floor space of around 55,000 sq ft and will be a range of two-and three-story buildings offering both production and office space for companies.

Spokesman Chris Dawson said: “We are delivering a totally new style of business unit for today's progressive occupiers who need to keep pace with the rapidly changing market conditions.

“The units will incorporate high profile fully glazed front and rear elevations offering a high degree of flexibility.

“They will be fitted out ready for immediate occupation including full reverse cycle air conditioning, suspended ceiling LGE lighting, wooden floors and high levels of on site car parking within a fully landscaped site.

“Unusually for Felixstowe, where most of the land is owned by Trinity College, we are delighted to be able to offer companies the opportunity to acquire the freehold interest in the buildings or take advantage of our flexi-lease terms with an easy in and easy out terms if this is the preferred choice.”

Some residents have expressed concern over increased traffic, noise and disturbance from commercial activities, including potential increases in dust, light and smell, and extra parking problems for householders.

Suffolk Coastal planners felt the units will provide a range of small business units adding to the availability of employment premises in south Felixstowe. Councillors agreed new access points should be created to the development land from Langer Road, and the Orford Road entrance closed to improve the situation for residents and remove lorries.

The workshops could be used from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and until 1pm on Saturdays.

Masterlord will put in place trees and shrubs to tidy and improve a rather bleak part of Langer Road.

The company has already completed a similar and highly successful scheme in Ipswich.