Tritax Big Box awards £40,000 to community groups in Coddington following the completion of Unit One at Tritax Park, Newark

Tritax Big Box has awarded £40,000 to community groups following the completion of a state-of-the-art logistics and distribution centre off the A17.

Community groups in Coddington will benefit from the funds which stems from the completed Unit One development at Tritax Park Newark.

The 400,000 square feet development was strategically located on the A17/A1 Junction, the site provides unrivalled access to the A1, the Great North Road, connecting Edinburgh to London.

Malcolm Baker, Chair of the Community Centre committee, commented: "This is fantasic news for Coddington.

“Tritax Big Box's donation means that we can now carry out essential maintenance and upgrades which will guarantee that the Centre can continue to serve the community for many years to come.”

The funds will enable the centre to conduct ‘much-needed repairs’ to its wastewater and sewage system and essential improvements to the safety escape routes and the footpath links to the neighbouring Coddington Primary School.

The Scout Hall has also benefited from the funds, as well as Coddington Parish Council, which will use the money to buy two defibrillators.

Tom Newton, associate development director at Tritax Management LLP, said: "Unlike most developers, Tritax Big Box retains ownership of its buildings and so becomes an integral part of the local community, and our Community Fund is another way we can show our commitment to the local community.

“If we are granted planning permission for Phase 2 then Tritax Big Box's investment in Newark will exceed £250m.”

The £40,000 Community Fund forms part of the company's long-term vision for Tritax Park Newark which is managed by development partners Simons Developments.

A further phase is currently being considered by the Newark and Sherwood District Council and, if granted planning permission later this year, will generate further substantial funds to be made available for still more local community projects and causes.

With a planning application for Phase 2 currently under consideration by Newark & Sherwood District Council, the future could hold even greater opportunities for local groups.

Should permission be granted, a second Community Fund will be created that is three times the size of the current allocation.

Robert Twigg, director of Simons Developments said: "We've been working closely with the local community largely through the Parish Council and Phase 2 contains many features and amendments that reflect that.

"We have dedicated 40 acres of the site to a landscaped bio-diversified area forming a permanent buffer between the scheme and Coddington guaranteeing no further development.”