PLANNING consent has now been granted for the full refurbishment of the former Cosworth Technology factory near Junction 6 of the M5 at Warndon, Worcester.

A & J Mucklow Group Plc bought the site from Cosworth Engineering off market after the factory's closure in June, 2005.

GVA Grimley and Harris Lamb have been appointed as joint letting agents for the scheme.

Comprising about 116,000 sq. ft of manufacturing space on five-and-a-half acres, with approximately three acres of adjacent office development land, the acquisition offers a unique opportunity for redevelopment.

Architects Gould Singleton have now completed plans for the scheme, which involve a full refurbishment of the facility to provide 110,000 sq ft of manufacturing/distribution accommodation incorporating 2,500 sq. ft of new first-floor offices.

Planning permission has also been granted for the provision of a new access road from Wainwright Road to the site.

The refurbishment works are estimated to take approximately four months to complete.

Commenting on the latest progress, Justin Parker, managing director with Mucklows, said: "The purchase of the site shows Mucklows' commitment to growing the development side of the business and we continue to search for and pursue other development opportunities."

The building is already experiencing high levels of interest due to its prominent location at Junction 6 of the M5.

Cameron Mitchell, industrial partner at GVA Grimley in the Midlands, added: "There is a real lack of currently available quality buildings, not only in the Worcester area but further along the M5 corridor.

''We are already having discussions with a number of potential occupiers."

The distribution/manufacturing facility is being offered to let on flexible lease terms at a quoting rental of £4.95 per sq ft.