Eshton secures funding for Burnley Bridge

YORKSHIRE-based developer Eshton Group has secured a £3.8m European Regional Development Fund Grant for infrastructure works at its 70-acre Burnley Bridge Business Park.

The grant will allow the firm to carry out enabling works at the site – most importantly, it will allow for the construction of a bridge over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, which will stretch directly from the slip road at junction 9 of the M65 into the centre of the business park.

Following the award, Eshton Group is also expected to start work on construction of the first business units on the site as well as servicing some of the larger development plots.

Burnley Bridge Business Park is a former Ministry of Defence site which is one of the largest employment sites currently on the market in the Pennine Lancashire area. When complete, ot will offer 650,000 sq ft. of mixed-use employment space, including large units of up to 400,000 sq ft.

James Chapman, manager director of Eshton, said “This is a massive regeneration scheme for Burnley, which will have significant benefits for the local economy and community, especially in these challenging economic times.

“I would like to thank the council for all their support in helping us to secure this funding. We will continue to work closely with the council to deliver sustainable employment in an excellent strategic location.”

“Securing this funding gives the green light to begin construction of the bridge and access roads which will kick start the whole project.

“There is already significant interest in the park from both national and local companies and we are in advanced talks with a number of parties.”