Council grants green light on Ashton Park scheme that could create hundreds of jobs

An industrial scheme capable of supporting 300 jobs on completion, and 400 during construction, has been approved by Wigan Council.

The authority granted outline approval on Caddick’s Ashton Park development, a 360,000 sq ft industrial scheme set to deliver a £46m boost to the local economy.

Located off Lockett Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, the 19-acre site is situated at the edge of the existing South Lancashire Industrial Estate and offers convenient access to junctions 23, 24 and 25 of the M6, as well as to the wider road network.

The scheme has the ability to deliver one large, or multiple smaller units, with a large power supply on site and a height parameter of up to 18 metres.

Designed for manufacturing and logistics uses, Ashton Park could create approximately 700 jobs through its creation, including 400 construction roles and a significant number of apprenticeships.

This sustainable development is targeting a BREEAM Excellent certification, with plans to include EV charging facilities, a solar-panel-ready roof, battery storage areas, and air source heat pumps.

Through the site’s proximity to both the existing transport network and public transport routes, it seeks to encourage sustainable travel to work.

The development will also offer shower facilities, drying rooms and cycle storage for those wanting to run or cycle to work.

Tom Park, Associate Director at Caddick, said: “We are incredibly pleased that Wigan Council has recognised the importance of this site through granting an outline planning consent.

“With the potential to generate tens of millions of pounds in local investment, Ashton Park is helping to meet the significant demand for sustainable industrial space in the North West.”

He added: “The development offers substantial scale and is strategically located within the prime M6 corridor, an area that has been under-supplied for years.

“This shortage is underscored by the high level of occupier demand we are currently experiencing.”

Last year, Caddick achieved practical completion on the first phase of a 544,000 sq ft logistics hub at Farington Park, with the construction arm of the company having been appointed to deliver a fit-out for anchor tenant, Victorian Plumbing.