Flyde Coast Enterprise Zone plans put forward

PLANS have been put forward for Enterprise Zone status to be granted to a business park on the Fylde coast in  Lancashire.

Landlord and developer NPL Group, says that if it wins approval from the government, having enterprise zone status could  attract £200m in private sector investment and create 1,500 jobs to the Hillhouse International Business Park, Thornton-Cleveleys.

The 450-acre site is currently home to more than 45 businesses, including the worldwide headquarters of listed polymer manufacturer Victrex.

The Lancashire local enterprise partnership is supporting the company’s plans to attract more chemicals and energy-focused businesses to the site by obtaining enterprise zone status. This offers benefits including business rate discounts, capital allowances and superfast broadband.

Wyre Borough Council and the Blackpool and Fylde Coast Economic Development Company are also supporting the application.

Robert McFarlane, NPL Group chairman, said: “Our business model of investment and collaborative working has to date delivered over £300m in new development and over 1,000 jobs at Hillhouse Business Park along with infrastructure and new homes.

“The next phase of development, which will be accelerated as a direct result of having EZ status, will deliver over a thousand new full-time posts, hundreds of construction jobs and a further £200m of investment in the site and surrounding area.”

Three areas in Lancashire already have enterprise zone status – Blackpool airport, and two areas around BAE Systems’ manufacturing facilities at Warton and Samlesbury.

Edwin Booth, Chair of the Lancashire LEP, said it was an “exciting and transformational time” for the county:  “If the EZ bid to government is successful, the Hillhouse site has the potential to accelerate the growth of a world class chemical and polymer sector cluster and create thousands of new jobs in the process.
 
“However we also recognise that sectors like energy, chemicals and advanced manufacturing are increasingly starting to converge, and with our Enterprise Zone strategy we are seeking to cross-fertilise expertise and innovation across all our key sectors to develop collaborative clusters with a fully integrated supply chain. This is what will give Lancashire a competitive advantage going forward.”