Jobs boost as Oswestry firm plans bigger HQ
A Shropshire firm is planning to build its new UK headquarters in Oswestry, which it says will bring new jobs to the area.
Aico Ltd, which specialises in domestic fire and CO detection, says it has outgrown its premises in Oswestry and wants to build on a new site on the edge of the town.
It currently employs 55 staff but says numbers could rise to 70.
The company has applied to Shropshire Council for planning permission to build on land next to the A483 Oswestry pass and the Maesbury Road junction.
Highways England is nearing completion of a major safety scheme at the staggered junction to install traffic lights and make other improvements.
Aico currently employs 34 office and warehouse staff at its base on the Mile Oak Industrial Estate and and 21 field-based staff. In a report to planners it says the projection for maximum staff numbers is 70.
The planning application or the new UK headquarters includes office space, a training/centre of excellence, auditorium, warehouse and packing facilities, car parking and landscaping.
The report from the company's architect, DGA, says: "The site will provide an excellent location and new home for Aico Ltd.
Gateway
"It will help to ensure the continued success of this dynamic and progressive company within the local area and facilitate the creation of much needed additional employment opportunities.
"The building has been positioned to give maximum exposure and impact from the A483 and will serve as a landmark gateway to Oswestry."
The building and the larger site has, the report says, been designed to be environmentally friendly.
"A strong landscape scheme has been developed to maximise use of the undeveloped areas of the site and incorporate a ‘trim trail’ and outside areas that can be enjoyed by staff and visitors alike for recreation and exercise.
The pond will be an all-year water feature providing a natural wildlife habitat, surrounded by a wildflower meadow.
There will even be orchards within the site if the scheme is given planning permission while solar panels will sit on the roof.
Highways England is carrying out three improvement schemes along the Oswestry bypass after being awarded Government funding from a financial pot to help bring forward housing schemes.
Once the Maesbury Road junction is complete the contractors will move onto work on the Mile End Roundabout and then the Whittington Roundabout.
