A LEADING developer has created a new £100 million commercial property company and is set to launch its first scheme in Ardleigh.

Galliard Group has created its new commercial arm Evolve, which will build what is has described as “affordable luxury work space” across the South East and London.

The firm’s first scheme will be a 50,000 sq ft two-storey development offering 90 units and five stand alone office buildings just off the Ardleigh junction of the A12, if it gets planning permission.

The 5.7 acre site, on a former golf driving range in Old Ipswich Road, will be unveiled at a special marketing launch event.

Stephen Conway, executive chairman of Galliard Group, said: “For over 25 years Galliard has helped young professionals and individual investors in the housing market get onto the property ladder.

“This launch of Evolve moves our buy-to-let investment work into the commercial property sector, providing investors with a value-for-money opportunity to acquire units for rental investment, alongside enabling small firms wanting to rent or buy work spaces to get onto the commercial ladder and move into a vibrant business community complete with lifestyle facilities.”

Once the development is complete the units, which range from 395 sq ft to 1,398 sq ft in size, will have access to shared meeting rooms, lounges a gym and on-site parking. A two-story barn will act as hub of the development with a hotel-like foyer provided along with landscaped communal space.

Investors and businesses are invited to see more at the weekend, at Colchester United’s Jobserve Community Stadium.

The marketing suite will be open between between 11am and 7pm on Friday and 10am and 6pm on Saturday.

Units within the development are available from £99,000 freehold on a 999 year lease and from £150 per week to rent.