The proposed 50-acre business park off Mansfield Road in Eastwood was expected to create up to 2,500 jobs, but work on it has now been delayed until the end of 2010.

John Booth, the director of JMB Development, said building was due to start last year, but that at the time companies were just not interested in buying or renting the industrial units.

However, he now says he is optimistic about the future of the economy and said he is already in fresh talks with potential buyers.

"The recession bit in on the industrial market a bit earlier than the global market and all the big industrial users didn't want to buy or rent. It was very disappointing," he said.

The plans for the vast site include warehouses, office units and a roundabout on the A610 to reduce congestion at nearby Mushroom Farm Court.

Mr Booth said the county's transport infrastructure – such as links to the nearby M1 motorway – would act as a magnet for new businesses.