The first business is set to move into the £150million Southend Airport Business Park.

Henry Boot Developments and Southend Council have secured planning permission for a 124,000 sq ft unit for Ipeco Holdings at the park.

Ipeco Holdings is a leading manufacturer in aircraft crew seating is set to occupy an industrial unit to the south east of the planned 50-acre Southend Airport Business Park off Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford.

When finished, the business park will boast approximately one million square feet of office space, warehouses and hotel accommodation, as well as an innovation centre for new start-ups.

It is expected to create in excess of 7,000 jobs.

James Courtenay councillor responsible for growth, said: “This is a further milestone in this major local development that will play a leading role in Southend’s economic growth over the coming years.

"It is also a sign of Ipeco’s commitment to growing in Southend and a vote of confidence in our town as a great place to do business."

Mr Courtenay added: “Airport Business Park Southend is crucial to the prosperity of Southend and the wider region, creating jobs, inward investment and new opportunities for local business to expand.

“I’m delighted to see this development gain planning consent and look forward to seeing Ipeco – the development’s first tenant – move to its new home in the not-so-distant future.”

Ian Ward, councillor responsible for planning at Rochford District Council, said “We are delighted to see the development of the new business park progressing well, and are pleased that local businesses at all stages of their life cycle have a real opportunity to grow and thrive locally in modern, well-connected and bespoke accommodation.

“The business park is on the doorstep of both Rochford and Southend residents, and boasts easy access to our stunning open space at Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park.

“It is also fantastically located for those businesses looking to benefit from the European and international connections that the nearby London Southend Airport has to offer.”

Elsewhere on the business park, work is nearing completion on the construction of a new home for Westcliff Rugby Football Club, with the club expected to move to its new facilities at the beginning of the 2019 ruby season.

The business park was kick started with a £23m Local Growth Fund grant matched by council capital.

Work is also now underway on procuring a company to carry out the second phase of infrastructure works at the site.

Archaeological works continue to take place though nothing of historical significance has been unearthed.

Adrian Schofield, director and head of Henry Boot’s London office, said: “Airport Business Park is a real game-changer for Southend and a host of ambitious growing businesses will benefit from the scheme and everything it has to offer. Along with high-quality, purpose built space, the park will also be home to the ‘Launchpad’; an innovation centre for start-ups and small to medium enterprises looking to take their business to the next level.”

He added: “Having secured planning permission for IPECO Holdings’ new unit, we look forward to getting started on site to bring forward this exciting project that will deliver real, tangible benefit to businesses based here, while boosting the economic prosperity of the wider region.”