MORE than 100 jobs could be created with the development of an 'accredited food production park' in Peel.
For the last eight months the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has been working in partnership with the Department of Economic Development to develop plans to regenerate the industrial estate known as Mill Road Yard.
The plans were unveiled at a meeting in Peel yesterday (Thursday).
They comprise an investment phased over a number of years to improve the roads, drains, power and water supplies.
This will enable food production companies to build their premises at the site, complementing the successful kipper, shellfish and other food businesses that are already based there.
The DEFA is progressing with a planning application for the first phase of the works and hope to start it early next year.
Mill Road Yard has historically been a centre for the fish processing industry and it has seen diversification over recent years with other food producers moving in.
The first phase will release three sites that will yield 1,470 square metres of factory floor space and create an expected 60 jobs.
As well as available land, the DEFA says the Isle of Man Food Park aspires to be a centre of excellence for food production with communal training and meeting facilities and assistance for all producers to operate to internationally recognised quality assurance standards.
Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: "The Isle of Man has a world class food production industry.
"This development will provide the foundation for it to continue to produce quality food both for the Isle of Man and beyond for years to come.
"As well as providing development land we will continue to work with operators to ensure they have access to a trained labour pool and can compete internationally."
Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK said: "Food production has historically been a stable sector, even in times of recession.
"This project will not only provide much needed work for the construction sector in its creation, but will yield a significant number of jobs in Peel.
"It is a good example of what can be achieved when government departments not only work with each other, but also work in partnership with industry."
