Cottam Hall developers await green light

DEVELOPERS of a £80m regeneration project are hoping planners approve a landmark scheme breathe new live into part of Preston.

The Cottam Hall Brickworks scheme, if rubber stamped on November 30, will provide up to 700 permanent jobs and 200 jobs in construction.

After the recent blow to the city’s hopes after the withdrawall of Grosvenor from the Tithebarn development, Cottom Hall could be the city’s leading regeneration project.

It is thought to be one of the country’s most sustainable schemes with transport, leisure, business, residential, ecological and social issues all addressed.

Ian Rankin, chairman of Cottam Hall Properties, the developer behind the project added:  “If planning permission is granted, we can be on the ground in January starting to prepare the site for this project that will bring much-needed employment.

“It’s also a positive step forward for Preston, especially after doubts have been raised regarding Tithebarn which I hope will go ahead. While not to be compared to Tithebarn , the Cottam scheme is substantial; it is ‘real’ and it is ready to start. We just need that vital green light at the November’s planning meeting.

“We have taken a long time in making sure this development is thoroughly thought out and has the support of all the stakeholders including Lancashire County Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

“All partners are very encouraged about the sustainability of the site and the positive impact it will have surrounding neighbourhoods.”

The development will feature a Tesco store, business space and a new marina.

North West construction company, John Turner and Sons will be delivering the project as the main contractor.

Managing director, John Clarke added:   “We are excited at the possibility of construction work starting on the site. There will be decontamination work and ecological issues to deal with initially, followed by the building of a major infrastructure scheme.

 “Turners has been associated with this development for some time and see the project as securing valuable future workload for our 250 employees based at our Manchester and Preston offices.”