A £5.2 million industrial park, which could create more than 200 jobs, is open for business.
Leicestershire County Council hopes the Airfield Business Park, in Market Harborough, will boost business and employment opportunities in the town and support the local economy.
The new complex is just outside the busy south Leicestershire town and offers industrial units ranging from 1,570 to 33,360 sq ft. It was built by Nottingham-based construction company J Tomlinson.
Several companies have already shown an interest in renting the units, with six of the 12 units reserved by prospective tenants.
The first tenant, a supplier to the door and window sector, moved in this month.
Deputy county council leader Byron Rhodes said: “It is great to see this venture complete and ready for new and existing businesses.
“Supporting businesses is important; it helps boost our local economy and creates jobs.
“Investing in property also enables us to generate extra income which we can then plough back into frontline services.”
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As well as space the 200 staff, the site also features 692 solar panels, as part of the council’s commitment to become carbon neutral within a decade.
Coun Rhodes said: “We are striving to be a green council and tackling climate change is one of our top priorities.
“We take our commitments to reduce carbon very seriously and this development is just one of the initiatives we’re exploring.”
The county council made the land purchase from its capital programme, and the scheme is funded by proceeds of land and building sales.
Darroch Baker, construction managing director at J Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the creation of this exciting new business park in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.
“It is great to see the high level of interest in these high-spec, energy efficient units, and we hope this becomes a thriving business hub in which the tenants enjoy their new premises.”
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The first business has already signed up and moved into one of the units.
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Fasten-It Ltd, which supplies products for the UPVC roofline, door and window fitting industry, moved into its new home last week.
Philip Hill, the company’s managing director, said: “Fasten-It was in need of premises convenient for the road network, close to amenities and a good and pleasant working environment for our staff and visitors.
“Airfield Business Park delivered on all fronts, with the added benefit of contributing to our social responsibilities with its solar power generation.
“The units are light, airy, very well built and access has been well thought out. I congratulate all involved and look forward to being part of the project over the coming months.”