Green light for £48m Lancs business park

PROPOSALS for a £48m business park by Junction 9 of the M65 in Lancashire,  which will create up to 1,600 new jobs, have been approved.

The 70-acre Burnley Bridge Business Park, which is being developed by property company Eshton Group, is located on the former Hepworth’s site at Pollard Moor on the outskirts of Hapton and Padiham.

The plans have been passed by Burnley Borough Council, subject to Highways Agency conditions.

James Chapman, the managing director of Yorkshire-based Eshton, commented: “This is a massive regeneration scheme for the Burnley region, which will have significant benefits for the local economy and community, especially in these challenging economic times.

“Burnley Bridge Business Park is a long-term commitment by us to the region. It will revive the old Hepworth’s site and provide sustainable employment in an excellent strategic location,” he explained.

“We are working closely with the Highways Agency to ensure that planning conditions are met,” he added.

The business park will comprise 680,000 sq ft of mixed-use employment space, including large industrial units of up to 400,000 sq ft.

It will primarily seek to attract light industrial and distribution-based occupiers. There will also be offices, a convenience retail store, crèche and hotel.

Mr Chapman commented: “We intend to work closely with the local community throughout the development process. One of the key objectives of the development is to make significant improvements to the site access.

“The site is adjacent to the M65, which makes it an ideal location for most business uses. However to gain access, vehicles currently have to travel through Hapton or Padiham. Retaining the current access would mean additional vehicles and an increase in HGV movements through these villages.

“Constructing a bridge across the Leeds Liverpool Canal will provide a direct link to the M65. This will help to reduce traffic levels on the surrounding roads network,” he explained.

Steve Rumbelow, Burnley council’s chief executive commented:  “The huge investment made in the purchase of the Hepworth site and the plans for its transformation into a state of the art business park by the owners and developers, Eshton Property Developments, reflects a major confidence in Burnley.

 “The town’s central location with easy access into the national motorway network, surrounding Pennine Lancashire countryside, and the economic vision Burnley has set for its future, was influential in Eshton’s decision to invest in this site.

“The council looks forward to working with Eshton to attract new businesses and jobs to Burnley.”