NEW units at Westpark 26 Business Park in Wellington are taking shape as contractor partners mark a milestone in their construction.

South West developers Summerfield and Devon Contractors have completed the outer frame and roof of eight industrial units celebrating with a traditional topping out ceremony.

The units form half of the planned development of 16 high quality, energy efficient and flexible spaces on the park, home to a range of distribution, warehousing and manufacturing businesses.

Construction of the remaining eight units is progressing well with the structural framework nearing completion.

Designed with sustainability in mind each unit will feature 15 solar panels, glazed entrance canopies, EV charging points and covered cycle storage.

Construction has required 188 tonnes of steel, 5,471 square metres of cladding and 352 gabion baskets containing 449 square metres of stone for retaining walls.

Landscaping at the site will incorporate mature hedges and tree lines, alongside bird, bat and dormouse boxes. External lighting has been carefully designed to have minimal environmental impact.

Driving in the last screw on the roof to mark the structural completion of the building's frame, Summerfield Group MD James Holyday said: “We are delighted with the progress being made. These units will provide an excellent addition to this popular business park.”

Managing director of Devon Contractors, celebrating 80 years in the construction business this year, Nigel Whelan, said: “It was a pleasure to join Summerfield Developments to celebrate this important milestone at Plot 19.

“Our two businesses share a long and successful history in the South West and projects like this demonstrate the value of strong partnerships built on trust, quality and a shared commitment to supporting local economic growth.

“We look forward to completing the development and seeing these new units provide opportunities for businesses in Wellington for years to come.”