Groundworks have started on a new £8 million trade business park in Whitfield.

The 26,650 sq ft site, called Trade Marq Dover, is being developed by Location 3 Properties and will include seven trade units, two of which are already pre-let.

They range in size from 2,750 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft and have been given planning consent for general industrial use. Another unit has also been pre-let with consent to sell food and drink.

Colin Thacker, managing director for Location 3 Properties said the developers were unable to confirm which retailers or businesses would be coming to Whitfield just yet.

He said: “We are unable to confirm the occupiers at the moment for legal reasons but will do so as soon as we are able.”

Location 3 Properties is the same developers of the successful Honeywood Retail Park also at Whitfield, which pre-let to B&M Stores, Pets at Home, Bensons for Beds and KFC.

Construction on this site was completed in June last year, with retailers moving into the £10m site shortly afterwards.

“We are unable to confirm the occupiers at the moment for legal reasons but will do so as soon as we are able” - Colin Thacker

Trademarq Dover, which will be based on undeveloped agricultural land near to B&Q, is expected to create up to 50 new jobs for the area.

It will consist of facilities for storage, outlets for bathroom and kitchen furniture, electrical products and machinery hire, a plumber’s and builder’s merchants and an auto centre.

A report by Alastair Thornton of Simply Planning said the plans had “numerous benefits” and would have a positive impact on the area’s regeneration.

The development would also include a 66-space car park and a separate pod, whose lease would be offered to a company serving refreshments.

It is hoped with its prime location close to the A2 and A256 that is will add to the commercial and residential expansion of Whitfield.

The sole agents for the development are RAB Commercial.