A PROJECT that has been in the making for 21 years is about to become a reality.

The Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park is a major new employment site designed to support business growth and attract investment to the county, has been officially launched.

The scheme was formally launched at a meeting of the Herefordshire High Growth Business Forum last week, bringing together business leaders, council representatives and partners to mark the next stage in the development of the site.

However, none of the Ross County Councillors were invited to the ceremony.

Cllr Ed O’Driscoll, whose Ross ward includes the17-acre strategic employment site, said: “I was surprised to see the event take place without any of the Ross-on-Wye County Councillors being present.

“We’ve lobbied locally for this for the best part of 20 plus years to bring this opportunity forward for our town.

“We’ll continue to support this initiative, but I sincerely hope that we will be included in future conversations.

It is expected that the enterprise park will become one of Herefordshire’s largest business hubs and has the potential to support around 600 jobs once fully developed.

Interest in the site is already growing, with enquiries from businesses looking to locate and expand in the area.

The development of the Ross Enterprise Park will provide high-quality employment space for a range of growing businesses and it forms part of Herefordshire Council’s wider programme to support economic growth, attract inward investment and create more better paid jobs.

Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for community services and assets, Cllr Harry Bramer, ward member for neighbouring Weston under Penyard, said: “The Enterprise Park for Ross is another strong example of Herefordshire Council making the most of the assets we have – whether that’s land, infrastructure or partnerships – to deliver real benefits for our county.

“By using these assets strategically, we are creating the space and opportunities businesses need to grow, invest and create jobs, helping to strengthen Herefordshire’s economy for the future.”

While the council’s cabinet member for economy and growth, Cllr Graham Biggs, said: “The Ross Enterprise Park represents a major investment in the future of county’s economy. We are already seeing strong interest from businesses, which shows the demand for high-quality employment space in the county.

“This development will create opportunities for companies to grow, invest and create jobs locally, helping to strengthen our economy and ensure Herefordshire continues to be a great place to do business.”

The council cites that its location offers businesses the opportunity to operate in a high-quality environment surrounded by some of the region’s most scenic countryside and points out its strategic connectivity being close to the A40 and the M50 motorway, providing fast links to the Midlands, South Wales and the Southwest.

The site has space for growth and strong economic potential and a capacity to support around 600 jobs and attract new investment to Herefordshire.

While the road infrastructure, costing £7.25 million, is currently underway at the former Model Farm site, spades are expected to go into the ground shortly as part of the formal cutting of the sod ceremony to create the first phase of the new enterprise park on land which has long been earmarked for employment to accompany the area’s growing population.

Cllr O’Driscoll said previously: “I’m keen to see highly skilled jobs brought to Ross to give our young people viable career opportunities and hope to see a management board appointed soon to realise this ambition.

“If delivered well, the Ross Enterprise Park offers the prospect of skilled employment opportunities for younger people in the town and space for ambitious local firms to expand with interest from businesses has been encouraging.

“I’ve already visited the site, met the manager and will stay closely involved to ensure disruption for nearby residents is kept to a minimum.

“I do however still have concerns over the management of the park and would like to see local businesses properly engaged in decision making.”

Cllr Bramer added: “This project is another of the council’s ‘Year of Delivery’ programme, which is now fully up and running.

“We’re moving at pace to create this vital asset for Ross and the whole county’s economy.”

Businesses interested in locating at Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park can find out more on the Invest in Herefordshire website: investinherefordshire.co.uk.