Yorkshire-based developer, Eshton, has submitted a planning application to Burnley Borough Council for a further 500,000 sq ft industrial and warehousing scheme at its successful Burnley Bridge Business Park site in Lancashire, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of £50million.
The proposed Burnley Bridge South development would build on the success of the initial 60-acre Burnley Bridge employment park and the subsequent 10-acre Titanium Park phase two scheme. Together, the first two phases have already supported the creation of more than 900 new jobs and delivered in excess of £60million of investment locally.
The third phase would be offered on the same flexible basis, with design and build units available to meet the square footage requirements of occupiers. The project is expected to generate an additional 900 new jobs.
Managing Director of Eshton, James Chapman, commented: “The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted just how important UK manufacturing and logistics are to our economy and the resilience of our supply chains. Developments like Burnley Bridge Business Park are critical to extending that infrastructure by providing companies in the local area with opportunities to upscale, creating inward investment opportunities for businesses keen to benefit from the skilled local workforce and excellent transport links the location has to offer.
“We are firmly optimistic that our plans will be approved and, with deals still being done despite the current social distancing challenges, we expect significant interest.”
Ranked as one of Britain’s best locations for job growth and tech innovation, while offering affordability, Burnley has become a property hotspot for the industrial and warehousing sectors. Located at junction 9 of the M65 and the motorway network, with Manchester, Preston, Liverpool and Leeds all within a 50-mile radius, Burnley Bridge Business Park has already attracted a variety of industry-leading occupiers, including Exertis, Fagan & Whalley, Townsend Music, Birchall Foodservice and YESSS Electrical.
Set to be jointly marketed by Trevor Dawson and Avison Young, the Burnley Bridge South development is expected to attract a similar mix of both SMEs and national occupiers.
Michael Cavannagh from Trevor Dawson commented: “The completion of the first phase clearly demonstrates Eshton’s commitment to the local area and economic growth in the North West. Burnley Bridge Business Park has been an exciting project to be involved in and will continue with the next proposed phase of development. Already, there are initial discussions taking place with potential occupiers.
“Situated at junction 9 of the M65, the site would offer strong connectivity for businesses and significant opportunity to relocate or expand in a modern and well thought through development.”
The success of Burnley Bridge Business Park dovetails with Burnley Borough Council’s Local Plan, which targets inward investment, new jobs, new homes and increased opportunity for the area.
