Hundreds of jobs are set to be created in north Colchester following a crucial agreement being signed between developers and Colchester Borough Council. Top of the range, high quality industrial units will now be built at Cuckoo Farm, alongside the new stadium as part of the ongoing development in that side of town.

Twelve acres of land have been sold by the council to London based developers Easter Group, marking an important step in the development of Cuckoo Farm.

The site is next to the new Flakt Woods factory just off Severalls Lane. As well as developing the industrial units, Easter Group have been the developers responsible for the link road that currently runs from Flakt Woods to the stadium site. This road is due to be handed over to council in April.

Councillor Brian Jarvis, Portfolio Holder for Renaissance told U's Review: "This is a significant milestone in the development of Cuckoo Farm.

"Not only does it offer further employment opportunities for the area, following the success of the Flakt Woods project, it will also ensure the delivery of the link road needed to serve the Community Stadium project.

"Clearly this is an important step in making sure the roads and services are put in place to support the Community Stadium project."

Easter Director James Dipple said: "I am delighted that we are now out of the starting blocks with this major project.

"The signing of the land deal and the applications we have made for planning permission put us on course for an early start on site. This is a very important site for us and we know the quality of our product is already attracting strong local business interest.

"Timing of the development is ideal as there is a real strategic fit with all of the regeneration which is taking place in Colchester.

"We are delighted to be part of the ongoing development of the region by providing much needed new industrial units to the business community in this part of Essex. Building work on the £20m scheme begins soon with the first phase due for completion in June 2008."

It is anticipated that some 200 jobs will be created alongside the stadium site as the scheme will offer 195,000 sq ft of small to medium sized industrial units comprising:

* 11 high quality units ranging from 5,000 sq ft to 39,000 sq ft

* A small unit scheme: these 21 units will range from 1,000 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft and will be let on a flexible basis to encourage local and growing companies.

Easter senior development executive Colin Brown told the County Standard on Friday: "Expanding local companies are leading the way although we are also attracting enquiries from businesses new to the area.

"The area is fantastic, it goes straight out to the A12. Customers can get on the main roads easily and get their services in and out."

The first phase of development will be will be ready for occupation from July, and the second phase will see the smaller units built.

"We already have interest from a large established company and another company interested in phase two," Colin added.

"The interest is encouraging and it is outperforming most of the schemes across the country in terms of pre-let."