Completion date set for first phase of £100m scheme

The first phase of Chorley’s £100m Botany Hill scheme is set for completion in the first quarter of next year, developer FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) has revealed.

 The company has also given an update on the second phase of the development, which totals more than 300,000 sq ft and is part of the wider £220m Botany Bay Business Park project.

 The initial Botany Hill phase is set to deliver approximately 140,000 sq ft of high-quality new-build units, ranging from 4,840 sq ft to 32,120 sq ft. 

 The site sits close to Junction 8 of the M61 and in close proximity to Chorley town centre.

FIREM says the flexible units will be suitable for a range of businesses, with options to combine spaces and to work with its development arm on a bespoke fit out.

 The company has also revealed it is in discussions with a number of local and national occupiers and has now appointed a new agency team to market the site, which includes JLL, Trevor Dawson and Box 4 Real Estate. 

 The progression of phase one at Botany Hill comes after industry-leading retail and industrial occupiers moved into Botany Bay Business Park in May, with Greggs, Costa and Central Co-op taking space and local timber employer Donaldson’s relocating its operations there.

 The second phase of Botany Hill is set to come forward later in 2026, with design and build opportunities available. Construction has been managed in its entirety by FIREM’s development arm, FI Developments.

 Superstructure works have started with the erection of steel frames underway, alongside access roads and main drainage work.

 FIREM says that once complete, the entire Botany Bay Business Park site will create more than 1,000 jobs.

 Tim Knowles, founder and managing director at FIREM, said: “The progression of construction at Botany Hill marks an exciting new chapter for Chorley, creating a major opportunity to bring more investment into the area and support the ambitions of local businesses.

 “Being able to manage all the construction in-house allowed us to keep the process as productive and efficient as possible. 

 “As a long-term investor in Chorley, we’re committed to adding lasting value. This next phase will not only deliver high-quality industrial space in a key location but also create employment opportunities and attract new businesses, as well as allowing existing ones to remain in the area and grow their footprint.

“We’re proud to be investing in Chorley and playing a role in shaping its future.”