Work begins on beleaguered retail park

CONSTRUCTION work has begun on the retail park in the New Hall Hey development in Rossendale, the administrators of Hurstwood Developments have announced.

Bolton-based Hurstwood Developments was placed in administration in September 2008 which resulted in all work on the project being suspended.

Brian Green and David Costley-Wood from KPMG’s restructuring practice in Manchester were appointed joint administrators.

Contractors Morgan Ashurst have now been instructed to carry out the works which will see the existing structure and the surrounding car park completed.

The construction program for phase one is set to be completed by early August.

Mr Green said: “Getting to this position has been a challenging and complicated process, but I am now delighted that the completion of the first three units is underway.

“Considerable time and effort has been spent by the Administrators, our advisors and the local council in resolving a number of planning issues that existed prior to our appointment.

“However, we believe the completion of the units will provide potential tenants with an excellent opportunity to provide the local community with their products and services.”