A COMMERCIAL development in north Derbyshire is celebrating its first anniversary by welcoming a new client.

It is a year since Markham Vale commercial park, at Junction 29A of the M1, opened.

The anniversary coincides with the arrival of Holdsworth Foods, which has bought a 15,000 sq ft unit at Waterloo Court.

Holdsworth, which has depots in Tideswell, Evesham, Northampton and South Wales, delivers food to caterers across the country.

Company chairman Michael Holdsworth said: "Our expansion plans and the location of the park just off the new junction of the M1 are the main reasons for our move. We can now cut our delivery times considerably as we will no longer have to battle in town traffic.

"The larger premises and location also mean that our suppliers can deliver less frequently, therefore, reduce emissions and congestion.''

Mr Holdsworth said he was also impressed by Markham Vale's environmental credentials.

Developer Henry Boot Developments has said it has agreed terms with more companies to take space at the commercial park and announcements were expected to be made soon.

Henry Boot's development surveyor, Ben Ward, said: "The opening of the new junction on the M1 has definitely contributed to the surge in popularity of the scheme. Over the past 12 months, inquiries from local companies have escalated considerably, with many drawn to Markham Vale's great location and the quality build we are offering at Waterloo Court.

A further boost for the Markham Vale scheme has been the success of its flagship business support facility, the Environment Centre, which is now 90% occupied by a range of firms from the environmental technology sector.

The 18,000 sq ft building is fully sustainable and environmentally friendly with a roof-mounted wind turbine to generate electricity, solar panels and a water recycling facility.