RED Partnerships to consult on Lucite International development
THE developer behind an £18m regeneration scheme in a Lancashire town is to launch a public consultation on the project.
Real Estate Development Partnerships (RED Partnerships) is planning to build a multi-million pound research and development building in Darwen for acrylic-based products manufacturer Lucite, a major employer in the town.
The building will be funded by the sale of a redundant four-acre site on Bright Street, which will be redeveloped into a 36,000 square foot supermarket creating up to 200 jobs.
The scheme will include the development of a 173 space car park, improved traffic measures and environmental works to the surrounding area.
The project will create up to 150 jobs during the construction phase and up to 200 full and part time jobs at the food store when it opens in 2015.
Lucite International has been a major employer in Darwen for more than 70 years and has recently announced plans to expand production in the UK. The development of the18,000 sq ft R&D building in Darwen will be supported by a grant from the Regional Growth Fund.
Kevin Leith, European HR director at Lucite, said: “The new research and development facility is key to our expansion plans and will help us to maintain our competitive position.
“We hope that the new food store and wider improvements to the area will gain support from the local community.”
Salford-based RED Partnerships was established by Damian Flood and James Ridings to offer its investor partners the opportunity to take advantage of their significant expertise in the UK property market.
Both were senior executives within the Modus Group where they were responsible for the successful delivery of a number of developments across all sectors of the commercial property market.
Damian Flood, managing director at RED Partnerships, said: “This is a great project for Darwen which will consolidate Lucite’s presence and expansion, and provide a major jobs boost for the town.
“We are sure that there will be a positive reaction to the £18m investment and look forward to submitting a planning application in September.”
The public are being invited to view and discuss the plans and proposals at open events being held at Lucite International’s offices on Duckworth Street between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday, July 31 and Thursday August 9.
