Work has begun on a new link road which will open up further land for jobs creation at Derbyshire's regeneration site.

Derbyshire County Council is investing over £70 million laying the foundations to drive long term employment opportunities at Markham Vale which is just off the purpose-built junction 29A of the M1.

An increasing number of companies are making Markham Vale their home because of its location in the centre of England and excellent transport links.

Car parts distributor Andrew Page has recently moved into its new national distribution centre on the east side of Markham Vale, with 120 jobs expected to be created.


And McDonalds will open the doors on its new drive through restaurant on the western part of Markham Vale this week, bringing 50 jobs.

Now work has begun on a new £905,000 stretch of road which will link the A632 at Long Duckmanton with the M1 to open up further areas the western section of the site for development.

Councillor Kevin Parkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "We've laid strong foundations for long-term job creation at Markham Vale and are delighted that companies are choosing it as their home.

"The creation of this new road will open up a further five-and-a-half hectares for development at the site's western side and we are confident we are providing the right environment to attract further growth."

Work on the new road is expected to be completed by March 2013. It will also include footpaths, street lighting and provision of ducting to enable the easier installation of gas, electricity, water and telecommunications links for future developments.

(CD/GK)