Forecourt operator buys 90-acre business park site for £10m

A 90-acre business park development site in Blackburn has been acquired by Euro Garages off a guide price of £10m.

The greenfield Frontier Park site in Whiteburke – close to junction six of the M65 – was previously owned by Praxis which has already obtained planning consent for a one million sq ft mixed-use development including roadside leisure and employment space.

It quietly offered the site to the market last year. Aherne Property Consultants completed the deal on behalf of Euro Garages.

Zuber Issa, chief executive of Euro Garages, said: “This is a strategic purchase to support the on going expansion strategy of our business, which has grown significantly in recent years.
 
“We will be bringing forward the first phase of development as soon as possible comprising a typical Euro Garages PFS, convenience food, drive-through Starbucks and KFC restaurant.
 
“In addition, we have earmarked the site for further development opportunities including a relocation of our head office from Blackburn and new conferencing facilities.

“Once these facilities have been delivered we will be offering the balance of the site to the market.”

Andrew Aherne, of Aherne Property Consultants, added: “We are pleased to have successfully acquired this site for which there was significant competition from property developers and investors.

“The level of interest demonstrates the strategic importance of this prime site which when brought to the market will offer the best development opportunities on the M65 in South Lancashire.”

Robert Dunston of GVA Bilfinger and Caroline James of Trevor Dawson represented Praxis in the disposal of the site.