PRECISE investment targeted at transforming a former industrial site in the heart of Gwent into a modern business park is paying real dividends for its owners and its users.

The unique, rejuvenated parkland setting on Mamhilad Park Estate, near Pontypool, is proving increasingly popular as a location for start up and more established businesses.

The iconic site, which was the former British Nylon Spinners manufacturing centre and latterly a base for large public sector operations is being re-invented for 21st century use.

An ambitious programme is bringing thousands of square feet of office accommodation back to life, accommodating businesses and creating hundreds of new jobs along the way.

Owner of the estate, Johnsey Estates Ltd is progressing a master plan which is gradually bringing new business life to the former hive of industry in the Eastern Valley.

Johnsey Estates’ chief executive officer James Crawford said: “We have been making an investment in how the park looks. For example we have re-surfaced roads, we have refurbished the all important first chance to make a good impression gate house, installed CCTV and site wide fibre broadband and improved security throughout.

“Extensive landscaping throughout the estate has boosted the appeal of the business park as has investment in the quality and ‘feel’ of the buildings.

“Superb, modern new office space offers open plan and cellular configurations. Serviced offices satisfy demand from start ups and small businesses through to the requirements of larger call centre type businesses.

James said: “Our ten-year project will ensure Mamhilad Park Estate is the dominant local business park. Significant further investment is planned. We’ll build on our success creating the right space at the right rent for many years to come and continue to develop other facilities such as our popular and successful caravan storage facility.”

The business park offers extensive, free on-site car parking, an award-winning restaurant, a gym and children’s nursery. A huge variety of work space has also been created in the former Nylon Spinners building.

Johnsey Estates marketing manager Gemma Johnsey-Plumley, said: “Towards 100 new businesses have relocated to Mamhilad Park Estate in the past two-and-a-half years, ranging from start ups, charities, medical facilities and clinics, to call centres. We now have some 1,500 people working in various businesses and organisations on this site.

“We aspire to be the business location of choice perfectly located in the heart of Gwent, with unparalleled access to the roads network.

“An an all inclusive monthly fee means businesses can fix their property costs. Flexibility to up or downscale as required without any ties to the length of contract is a real bonus for start up businesses.

“Many businesses have grown significantly since locating to MPE. They can integrate into the diverse business community informally or via attendance at one of the free business seminars we run.

“We are happy for people to come to have a look around to see what we have done, and are doing, at Mamhilad Park Estate to see if we can accommodate their needs. We have exciting investment plans for the future so if we don’t have exactly what a business needs now we may well have something for them in the very near future.”

Existing clients ranging from sole traders to much larger operations speak of the ease of parking in the expansive free provision at the estate, the accessibility of the site to the road network and the enjoyment of working in the middle of the countryside.

One sole trader said: “I'd been working in central London for a time so it was good to find such a great location for my business

Another said: “The location is good and there are also mutual trading benefits that we have here at Mamhilad. The office accommodation we have, including our fabulous board room, is first class.

While the boss of a major logistics business said: “We have easy access to major roads and all in a very pleasant rural location. The onsite restaurant is good as is the parking. There is even a gym here which staff use and a crèche.”

“It is very cost effective taking space here, the free parking is a real bonus, the 24-hour security is excellent, the café is handy and good value and our office is very centrally located for our clients.”