A MANUFACTURING company in Ryde — whose staff are currently facing the threat of redundancy — is looking at ways to better use its building.

Under-threat staff have been speculating that budget food store Aldi may be interested in it as a venue for a third store on the Isle of Wight.

Last year, Aldi said it was looking for more sites on the Island.

As well as Ryde, it was looking for sites in Newport, where it has been linked to the proposed St George's Park football club site alongside McDonalds and Travis Perkins, and in Shanklin.

Based at the Westridge Business Park, on Cothey Way, Neutrik UK is seeking the views of its workforce on the business's future after announcing proposals to move production off the Island and relocate it to mainland Europe.

The audio and visual connection manufacturer says a decision will be made about the future of its Ryde base following the consultation.

Now, though, an application has been submitted to change the use of its sales office and production facility at the business park.

Planning documents say Neutrik is seeking to expand the potential optional uses of the building to 'allow business agility in years to come'.

It is seeking a change from B1 (b) and (c) — for the research and development of products and any industrial process — to a wider class E which allows any commercial, business and service use.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Its current production capacity is covered by class E but it would also allow the building to be used as retail space; a restaurant, offices, indoor sports, medical facility, nursery, financial or professional services plus and any other.

  • You can view the plans HERE. 
  • Comments can be submitted until June 14.

Zesta Planning, agents on behalf of Neutrik, say the application is submitted in the context of the consultation which seeks to consider all available options to improve the effective operation of the company.

The planning application was submitted to the Isle of Wight Council in April — a week after the consultation period was announced.

The agents say the building is surrounded by a wide range of companies, reflecting the broad variation possible under class E use.

A Neutrik spokesperson has been contacted about the planning application.

 

Additional reporting by CP reporters.