4 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY VIEW 2 2016-061/1002 NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Business Park Rises from the Ashes Five years after a fire tore through Lancashire Business Park, its occupiers are reporting huge successes. The 238 acre site has attracted major new tenants, including Amazon and is now home to around 50 employers and a workforce of more than 1,250 people. The huge fire destroyed five units and razed to the ground an area the size of three football pitches. A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire reported it as the biggest building blaze that the service had dealt with for more than a decade. £13million Deal at Walton Summit Brownfield regeneration and property investment specialist, Harworth Group, has acquired Four Oaks Business Park for £13.4million. The 19.4 acre industrial site with 428,800 sq ft of built logistics warehousing space is already fully let to tenants including FDC Holdings, Bosal Automotive and H Parkinson Haulage. The acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its income portfolio and further expand its presence within South Ribble and Lancashire. Chancerygate Drives Forward Matrix Park Scheme industrial developer, Chancerygate, has acquired B&M Steel’s 4.6 acre site at Matrix Park after the company relocated its operation locally. The developer is refurbishing the unit to provide 47,000 sq ft of Grade A warehouse/industrial space, at Unit One, Eaton Point. Additional land surrounding the site also gives the option to extend the unit to 80,000 sq ft or develop another speculative B1, B2 and B8 development up to 45,000 sq ft that could be suited as either a smaller multi-unit scheme or bespoke mid-box solutions. Logistics Centre Takes Off A new 165,000 sq ft Defence Logistics Centre operated by logistics firm Wincanton plc is now fully operational at the Lancashire Enterprise Zone at Samlesbury. The £10.8million facility is home to a 150-stong workforce who provide specialist logistics services for BAE Systems’ Military Air & Information business. Wincanton’s managing director for industrial and transport, Chris Fenton, said: “Managing the logistical demands of BAE requires a world-class team operating in world-class facilities. “The opening of the new Defence Logistics Centre marks the start of an important chapter in our long-standing partnership with BAE Systems, as we continue to deliver services essential to global defence and military aviation.” SES ONLY SES ONLY Cuerden Could Bring 4,500 Jobs to Borough A major development of the Cuerden strategic site could create thousands of new jobs and bring with it furniture giant IKEA, subject to planning permission. The scheme is one of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal’s major projects and is being driven forward by Lancashire County Council, Eric Wright Group and Brookhouse Group. The proposed development has the potential to generate significant economic and employment benefits, including: • More than 4,500 new jobs •  80,000 sq m of industrial space including separate units with ancillary offices •  26,000 sq m of office and business space, including a range of individual units •  New retail developments, including IKEA and up to five large format units for national retailers •  Mixed use development to include a 120-bedroom hotel with leisure/ gym facilities, car showrooms, family pub and restaurants •  Up to 210 new homes •  Green infrastructure and landscaping for people walking, living on and visiting the site •  Significant highways improvements on the local road network, along with new public transport provision •  New pedestrian, cycling and jogging paths throughout the site, linking to other places such as Cuerden Valley Park Councillor Peter Mullineaux, leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “This could be a very exciting development, which has the potential to bring significant economic opportunities to South Ribble. Cuerden fits very well with our drive to provide the conditions for businesses to thrive, offering the space for existing businesses to grow as well as being an attractive offer for new ventures. “The new walking routes, cycle paths and parks will improve access to green space for residents, employees and visitors. This is a great example of how the City Deal is creating a better South Ribble for everyone.” Further information is available at www.thisiscuerden.co.uk. CGIs of the Cuerden Strategic Site