THE first tenants have moved into Kendal's newest business park which has risen from the ashes of the town's former shoe-making industry, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

A new house building company, Briery Homes, has become the first firm to establish itself at the Riverside Business Park at the former K Shoe factory on Natland Road.

As previously reported, the site has been bought by Windermere businessman Gary Middlebrook, who said this week that up to nine or ten businesses could be accommodated at the park.

Stramongate Veterinary Centre has also announced its intention to move to the Riverside park this summer. The practice has applied for change of use to move into Natland Road and expand.

Meanwhile, South Lakeland District Council is still hoping to provide incubation units at the park to provide support for entrepreneurs and fledgling businesses, and encourage them to develop and create jobs in the town.

Mr Middlebrook said that, as well as Briery Homes, other firms including a joinery manufacturers, plumbers merchants, and an accountancy firm were among those interested in moving to Riverside.

He said the interest had come through word of mouth, and that he had yet to fully market the site. He was now concentrating on carrying out essential building works at the park.

Mr Middlebrook said he also hoped to provide a small office space where businesses could use a central receptionist service, and other business support. This would tie into the incubator units plan, and could encourage people who currently work from home to expand their businesses.

Mr Middlebrook said that he was enjoying dealing personally with potential tenants: "People do have concerns and you need that personal attention with them. You have got to listen to them and work with them. I am quite happy to spend that time with them."

One of the partners at Stramongate Veterinary Centre Gerard Winnard said that, subject to planning consent and the lease being signed, they hoped to move at the end of July.

Mr Winnard said they would be able to create the new premises from scratch and have them exactly as they wanted, expanding from the current two consulting rooms to three or four.

"We have basically outgrown the practice here and we have been looking to move for some time," he said. "It will have good access, and it will be nice to be down by the river."

Longer-term plans included a lecture hall which could be used by veterinary students or even conferences for clients.

SLDC assistant director (development) Richard Greenwood was due to meet with Mr Middlebrook today (Friday) about the incubation units plan.

- The Riverside Business Park can be contacted on 01539-740022.