Council’s development arm takes big step forward with approval for key projects
Tawd Valley Developments (TVD), the wholly owned development arm of West Lancashire Borough Council, says it can now take ‘a major step forward’ following approval of key initiatives.
The development business has been seeking to move beyond its successful delivery of new housing stock to a ‘master developer’ role, delivering larger commercial and mixed-use schemes for the council.
And now, with the approval of its masterplan for Skelmersdale town centre and its appointment to deliver a new eco-business park, it says it can fulfil the enhanced role.
TVD managing director, Mark Kitts, said: “This is a big step forward for our business, enabling us to gear up to manage much larger projects as we seek to build on the very positive growth in the borough’s economy.”
At its last meeting, on April 16, the council appointed the company to deliver the £200m masterplan for Skelmersdale town centre, which aims to see more than 500,000 sq ft of new commercial and residential space developed across 75 acres.
Kitts says he believes the ambitious plans for Skelmerdale town centre are “eminently achievable”, following an extensive process of soft market testing.
“We have spoken to almost 30 potential development and funding partners about our ambitions and, in addition to benefiting from some extremely useful advice and insights, got a clear view of the market’s appetite for investing in the town.
“I’m very encouraged indeed and am relishing discussions with more potential partners at UKREiiF, as we want all eyes on Skelmersdale,” he said.
Council leader, Yvonne Gagen, said: “This Masterplan is not just ambitious, it’s practical, deliverable and rooted in what matters most to our residents. It reflects the priorities we’ve consistently heard from our communities and ensures we’re making the right choices for the future of our borough.
“The plan aligns with our growing Economic Development Strategy, and complements our Local Plan, all while driving investment, creating jobs and promoting sustainable growth.”
TVD also secured approval for its £14m junction four scheme at White Moss Business Park, just off the M58, which will deliver 45 environmentally-friendly and flexible business units ranging between 150 sq m and 321 sq m.
There is an under-supply of such units along the M58 corridor. The scheme will incorporate numerous environmental features, notably solar energy for the benefit of tenants. TVD will contract with Caddick Construction to build the scheme, with works due to start in June and complete in phases up to December 2026.
Mark Kitts said: “This is a perfect example of how we can achieve our policy aims with regards to the climate emergency whilst supporting our vibrant manufacturing sector.”
The business’s housing aims were also supported at the same council meeting, with investment approval to convert former warden’s accommodation in Burscough into two apartments for rent to local people. The scheme is due to start on site later this month and complete by October.
