A major development of the Cuerden strategic site at the start of the M65 could create thousands of new jobs and bring furniture giant IKEA to Lancashire.

The development could also attract other well-known national retailers, major employers, restaurants, offices and housing, along with cycling and walking routes and new green spaces, subject to planning permission.

Lancashire County Council and its development partners Eric Wright Group and Brookhouse Group are running a public consultation on the plans, starting with public exhibitions next week, in advance of a planning application being submitted.

The development is one of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal's major projects and has the potential to generate significant economic and employment benefits for the area, including:

• Creation of more than 4,500 new jobs at the site.
• 80,000 sq m of new industrial space, comprising of a range of separate units with ancillary offices.
• A further circa 26,000 sq m of new office and business space, including a range of individual units.
• Enabling retail development, including a new 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.

Jeremy Hartley from Eric Wright Group, said: "Cuerden has long been seen as one of the best development opportunity sites in the North West, and as a local company we are delighted to be working alongside the county council, as their Regeneration Partner, to bring this site forward.

"The site requires a major investment into infrastructure in order to make it available for development. Higher value uses, such as retail, are therefore needed in the early stages to deliver that infrastructure development which, in turn, will enable us to unlock the longer term opportunities for employment and regeneration across the site. IKEA’s choice of this site for a potential new store is clearly a boost to the proposals. We are also working to bring a small number of other well-known national brands to the development. "

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. I would urge our residents to engage in the consultation process and offer their views on the development."

Public exhibition events are being held next week, as follows:

• Thursday 17 November – South Ribble Borough Council offices, Banqueting Suite, Leyland – 2pm-8pm
• Friday 18 November– St Catherine’s Hospice, Garden Room, Cuerden – 2pm-8pm
• Saturday 19 November – The Harris, Rotunda Area, Preston – 10am-4pm