Ref. 29740-11SWINDON Mayor Derek Benfield did the honours when he officially set the ball rolling for work on a new enterprise park.

Coun Benfield attended the cutting of the first turf at the site of the new Swindon Business and Enterprise Centre on the Rivermead Industrial Estate, West Swindon.

With room for 81 office and studio workshop units, it is tipped to bring a big boost for the town when it opens in January.

Coun Benfield said: "We welcome this enterprise and it could pave the way for possible future development of this area.

"It's nice to see that firms have the confidence to bring new business to us."

Basepoint is the firm tasked with the construction and management of the centre.

Chief executive Rob Cleaver reckons the all-in-one fee it plans to charge business will prove irresistible to smaller firms.

He said: "We are delighted to have arrived in Swindon. The town's strategic position and first class track record in attracting investment and new businesses makes it an ideal location for us.

"Swindon Council has been very supportive in our efforts to get the project moving forwards and we are confident that the centre will make a valuable contribution to the success of Swindon as a major economic hub in the south of England."