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Brickworks Farningham Road

 

The Brickworks is a new council-led industrial development of eight high-spec, sustainable employment units at Wealden Business Park, Farningham Road, Crowborough. Delivered by Wealden District Council to meet local business demand and create new jobs, the scheme completed on 19 January 2026 and is already seeing strong take-up from occupiers.

 

 

Background 

Crowborough has a strong base of small and medium-sized businesses but a shortage of modern, energy-efficient industrial space. The lack of suitable premises was constraining business growth, inward investment and local job creation.

In response, we transformed an under-used former brickworks site to deliver a new generation of sustainable industrial units. The project forms part of the council’s wider approach to using its assets proactively to support the local economy and provide space for businesses to stay and grow within the district. 

 

Aerial image of Farningham Road industrial units. 

 

Objectives and outcomes 

The core objective was to create high-quality employment space that supports local economic growth while showcasing our commitment to sustainability and good design.

The scheme provides eight flexible units suitable for light industrial, storage and distribution and general business uses within classes B2, B8 and E(g), excluding motor trade.

The units incorporate the following to minimise running costs for residents and reduce carbon emissions:

  • High levels of insulation
  • Roof-mounted solar panels with battery storage
  • EV charging points
  • Generous parking and turning areas

It has been designed to provide modern, flexible workspace that meets the needs of a range of local businesses, while creating an attractive and sustainable working environment.

Overall, the development aims to retain and attract businesses in Crowborough, creating and safeguarding local jobs and strengthening the town’s employment offer. In doing so, it will contribute to a more resilient local economy, support future business growth and provide a long-term employment asset.

 

Project delivery & key stages 

Following identification of the former brickworks land, within the established Wealden Business Park, planning permission was secured for two commercial buildings, each containing four adaptable units, with potential for mezzanine floors.

A competitive procurement process led to the appointment of ‘Now Construction’ as the main contractor, with a brief to deliver highly sustainable, flexible industrial units within a tight programme and an operational industrial environment.

Construction commenced in early 2025 and was carefully phased to co-ordinate utility connections, installation of solar PV & battery storage, EV charging infrastructure and landscaping, while minimising disruption to neighbours.

Key challenges included inflationary pressures in the construction market and the need to align design details with evolving sustainability expectations and building standards. These were managed through value engineering, collaborative problem-solving and early engagement with planning, building control and letting agents.

The scheme reached practical completion on 19 January 2026, with a coordinated marketing campaign by the council and its agents to secure early occupier interest. 

Image of a tractor and people in hi visibility vests on a construction site.

 

Group of people stood around for the opening event at the Industrial Units.

Industrial unit in construction.

 

Industrial unit in construction.

 

Impact and results

The Brickworks has delivered eight new, eco-efficient industrial units, adding around 12,900 sq ft of modern employment space to Crowborough’s commercial stock.

As of May 2026, six units are already let or under offer, demonstrating strong market demand and confirming that the scheme addresses a genuine gap in local provision.

Businesses have responded positively to the combination of flexible layouts, strong transport links, low running costs and visible sustainability features.

The development is expected to support new local jobs and provide opportunities for existing businesses to improve operations within Wealden, rather than relocating elsewhere.

During construction, the project also supported employment in the local supply chain and demonstrated how council-owned land can be used to deliver sustainable economic infrastructure.

By bringing a former brickworks plot into productive use and complementing the existing 41 units at Wealden Business Park, the Brickworks strengthens Crowborough’s role as a key employment centre and contributes to the district’s long-term economic resilience. 

 

Links and further information

Find out more about Wealden Business Park

Interested about renting a unit in Wealden Business Park