CONSTRUCTION of a new business park in Worcester is set to begin after city planners gave it the go-ahead.

Property developer Stoford Developments has gained planning consent from Wychavon District Council to build the 140,000 sq ft headquarters building at the new £120 million Worcester Six Business Park

unit, after securing Kimal Plc as the first company to commit to moving to the prestigious site.

Kimal PLC will be moving its new headquarters at Worcester Six, located off junction six of the M5 near Worcester.

The development will provide 1.5 million sq ft of accommodation and create up to 5,000 jobs.

Kimal, which develops and manufacturing a range of innovative products and procedural solutions for the healthcare sector, has agreed a 15-year lease for the £13 million unit.

Building work is set to begin in October for the estate road with the main building construction due to commence in early 2018.

Completion of the project is expected in mid-2018.

The new HQ demonstrates Kimal’s determination to remain in Worcestershire where it will continue to grow, with plans to create up to an additional 100 jobs.

The company’s success means it is outgrowing its existing accommodation at Droitwich and Redditch, with employees at these two centres will be relocated to the new HQ. The company will also continue to operate at a site in Bromsgrove

Gerard Ludlow said: “The agreement with Kimal marked a significant milestone as it was the first pre-let occupier to be secured at the site.

"Now that we have planning consent we can begin construction and look forward to the company moving to Worcester Six next year.”

Worcestershire County Council cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, Councillor Dr Ken Pollock said: “We are delighted to see the continued commitment from Kimal to investment and growth in the county.

"I look forward to more of the businesses that are currently considering the site committing over the coming months.''

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “It is great to see that planning consent has been approved for the construction of Kimal’s new headquarters at Worcester Six.

"Kimal’s expansion highlights the benefits of investing in Worcestershire, as the med-tech business has been able to secure a new highly-connected headquarters to continue its rapid growth and create even more jobs for the county’s skilled workforce.”