First Phase of Brocastle Employment Park Confirmed
The Welsh Government has confirmed the first development at its Brocastle Employment Park in Bridgend. Joint venture partners Hillwood and Maple Grove Developments (Deeside Regeneration) have agreed terms with the Cardiff Bay administration to speculatively build a 57,486 square foot industrial unit on a 4.85-acre plot, designated plot five.
The wider brownfield site spans 116 acres, where the Welsh Government has invested in infrastructure to attract new investment and jobs. The financial terms of the land deal have not been disclosed, and the developers are also receiving grant funding from the Welsh Government via the Development Bank of Wales, with the grant amount likewise undisclosed.
Industrial Unit to Address Supply Gap
The site benefits from outline planning consent and is being marketed specifically to the manufacturing sector. Subject to full planning approval, work on site will commence early in 2027, with the building ready for occupancy towards the end of the year. Developers are confident of securing a tenant, citing the site's proximity to the M4 motorway and a current lack of grade A industrial space in Wales.
Bob Tattrie, managing director of Hillwood, said: “We are excited to be bringing forward a further advanced build industrial scheme in South Wales, which suffers from a lack of grade A industrial accommodation. We are also delighted to again work with Maple Grove in delivering this.”
Strategic Location and Market Demand
The Brocastle land was previously earmarked for a 500-job factory producing the Grenadier 4x4 vehicle by Ineos Automotive, but the company opted for a site in France at a late stage. The employment park adjoins the former Bridgend Ford engine plant, which is being redeveloped into a data centre campus by US firm Vantage.
Andrew Dewhurst, director at Maple Grove Developments, said: “We are pleased to have secured the development plot for the upcoming business unit on Brocastle Business Park. Planning works progress well with a view to being on site in early 2027. Bringing forward our third joint venture in Wales is a proud moment for Maple Grove and we’re delighted to be working with our partners at Hillwood.”
Political and Economic Context
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, commented: “Developing modern employment sites and premises which provide investment ready platforms is a key part of the new Welsh Government’s mission to halve Wales’ productivity gap with the UK average. Such sites support businesses to plan and invest with confidence, and this development provides important opportunities for both new investment into Wales and for existing Welsh businesses to grow.”
Letting agents for the Brocastle site are property advisory firms JLL and Knight Frank through their Cardiff offices. The speculative development reflects confidence in the region's industrial property market, despite broader economic uncertainties.
