Plans submitted for business park at former Leyland test track
Proposals to create a new business park as part of the redevelopment of the former Leyland test track in Lancashire have been submitted to South Ribble Council.
The development, to be known as Titan Business Park, will create new modern office facilities, as well as light industrial and warehouse buildings, and car and cycle parking. It could help create more than 260 full-time jobs.
It will also feature a new petrol filling station and drive-through restaurant.
The mixed-used development will be built on a 5.7-hectare area of land to the northern edge of the former vehicle testing site, the remainder of which is set to be redeveloped with new homes under separate proposals which have already gained planning consent.
PWA Planning has submitted the planning application for the business park on behalf of Preston-based residential and commercial property developer Providence Gate Group Holdings. The scheme has been designed by Manchester-based Four Architects.
Accessed off Titan Way, close to the existing Moss Side Industrial Estate, the site consists of flexible industrial and commercial units from 750 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft which feature removable internal panels so they can be made larger or smaller depending on the requirements of the occupier.
These complement the contemporary proposed office facilities that will feature attractive glazed frontages.
Charlie Openshaw, a director of Providence Gate Group Holdings, said: “With the quality and flexibility on offer, we expect Titan Business Park to become a very popular business destination within South Ribble.
“The frontage of the site will feature significant landscaping, to create an attractive, modern, and welcoming development. The petrol station, drive-through, and modern business park facility will provide a real focal point at the site entrance.
“We have received a very encouraging level of initial enquiries from local and regional companies looking to expand and relocate in this location.
“Terms are currently being agreed on some of the units at this early stage and we are expecting to secure a number of pre-sales, highlighting the strength of the market in this location.”
He added: “Our aim is to make this an attractive meeting place which complements the rest of the site. It will provide individuals working at, or visiting, these units the opportunity to eat, drink and work on site, without having to travel extensively.”
Lydia Harper, senior planner at PWA Planning, said: “Titan Business Park will provide high quality, modern office and commercial space and act as a vital new employment location. It’s estimated that this will create over 260 full-time jobs once fully operational, so this is great news for this part of South Ribble.”
Providence Gate has applied for full planning permission for two phases of the development and outline permission for a third phase. If approved, it is hoped the site will be fully operational by the end of 2022.
Leyland test track was opened in the 1970s by Leyland Motors to test vehicles from its production line, but the site has lain unused for more than a decade.
Up to 950 homes and new community facilities are set to be built on the site with the first phase of homes already having received planning permission.
