FOUR companies will move into a group of controversial logistics hub in Bicester that have finished being built.

Axis J9 is the latest distribution and manufacturing park in the town north of Middleton Stoney Road which will total around 500,000 sq ft - the size of eight football pitches - once completed later this year.

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The site is divided into three phases, with phase one and two completed.

Four businesses have now snapped-up all seven buildings in phase two, totalling 32,710 sq ft.

Oxfordshire-based removal firm House 2 Home has taken lease for unit 11 at the site, while Fabal, a family-owned aluminium company, will occupy unit 12.

Units 9 and 10 which spans over 7,300 sq ft have been acquired by Stolford Ltd and Units 6-8 totalling 18,250 sq ft have been sold to NJS Properties Ltd.

Both of these purchasers will use the buildings in part and let the remaining space for investment.

The warehouses in phase one were pre-sold to Aver Property and around half of the phase is under offer to major occupiers.

Construction at Axis J9 started in July 2019 after plans were approved in July 2017.

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It followed a lengthy battle from almost all Bicester councillors on the Cherwell District Council planning committee to refuse the plans, among many nearby residents.

But following a threat of an appeal from developers Albion Land, the plans were resubmitted as two applications and ultimately approved.

Simon Parsons, director at Albion Land, said: “The demand for such buildings has been really strong and to have let and sold phase two is testament to Bicester’s strength as an employment location and that we have been able to deliver our buildings to high growth companies.

“We wish all the businesses continued success and look forward to delivering the next two buildings which will create further employment space for the town.”

Albion Land is also developing a new technology and manufacturing business park known as Catalyst Bicester off the Wendlebury Road next to the A41.

It will include up to 250,000 sq ft of workspace and a David Lloyd Health Club.