Pandemic leads to shift in focus as new plans unveiled for Botany Bay site

Developer and asset management company, FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), is set to unveil new redevelopment plans for its Botany Bay site in Chorley, switching use from an retail outlet village to industrial and commercial usage.

The proposal for the 21 acre site will provide 325,051 sq ft of industrial and commercial space, and will consist of 12 main blocks – Blocks A to L – which in total will deliver 33 individual units for employment and commercial uses.

A spokesperson for FIREM, said: “We have developed alternative plans for the Botany Bay site due to the continued decline in the retail sector, which, unfortunately has been further compounded by the coronavirus situation.

“Our proposal, which we feel is consistent with the site’s heritage, will create commercial and employment usage.

“This sector has seen continued growth and we have identified local and regional demand for high quality space.

“Whilst we are disappointed that the retail outlet village will no longer be proceeding, the current circumstances could not have been foreseen when the original plans were submitted and our revised plans demonstrate our renewed commitment to generate new job opportunities and further investment for Chorley.”

Blocks A-B are for commercial uses and will deliver around 7,157 sq ft of commercial floorspace, while units C-L will deliver approximately 317,923 sq ft of employment floorspace.

The existing Botany Bay Mill building is being retained as part of the plans.

The scheme has been designed by MCAU and planning consultants John Francis Planning hope to submit a planning application to Chorley Borough Council on behalf of FIREM in the coming weeks.

The original plans for the Botany Bay included a 300,000 sq ft retail outlet village, up to 288 homes, and space for significant employment uses.

Chorley Council recommended approval for the scheme in August 2018.