Business park site capable of supporting 900 jobs changes hands

Burnley Bridge

The property subsidiary of Blackburn’s billionaire Issa brothers has acquired a site in Burnley, capable of supporting 900 jobs.

Blackburn-based Monte Blackburn has bought the Burnley Bridge South site from Leeds-based developer Eshton Group, for an undisclosed sum.

The deal follows Eshton’s successful planning application for the 32-acre brownfield site, with Burnley Borough Council approving construction of a further 500,000 sq ft of industrial and warehousing space.

The new development is expected to be as popular as phases 1 and 2 at Burnley Bridge Business Park, which saw Eshton develop 60-acres located at junction nine of the M65. Together, the first two phases have already supported the creation of around 1,000 jobs and delivered in excess of £60m in inward investment.

The phase 3 development is the second plot to be purchased by Monte Blackburn, following the company’s acquisition of the 10-acre Titanium Park in 2021.

The new owner will develop a mix of built-to-order and speculative units at the site, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of more than £50m, and the potential to attract new companies, new customers for existing local businesses, and new jobs.

Eshton MD, James Chapman, sid: “Over the past decade, the site that is now Burnley Bridge Business Park has been transformed from a vacant brownfield plot into a sought after location for industrial and logistics businesses, with excellent transport links, a rich network of supply chain partners and a skilled local workforce.

“The sale of this third phase to a local company that has a proven track record in delivering quality accommodation and attracting a great mix of occupiers continues that legacy of sustainable investment and business growth, which is great for jobs, great for local businesses and an ideal catalyst for further investment and growth.”

Alex Kenwright, at Monte Blackburn, said: “We are looking forward to delivering this scheme to the occupier market, which remains strong in this area of Lancashire.”

Eshton was advised by Michael Cavannagh of Trevor Dawson and Mike Rooney of Avison Young. Monte Blackburn has retained Trevor Dawson as the selling agent.

The Issa brothers, Zuber and Mohsin, own Blackburn-based petrol forecourts and retail operator EG Group.

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