Frontier Park at 93 per cent occupation

Frontier Park industrial and logistics development is now 93 per cent occupied, according to developer Barnfield.

Located adjacent to Junction 9 of the M65, Frontier Park comprises 545,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics accommodation. Developed by Monte Blackburn, constructed by Barnfield Construction and marketed jointly by Trevor Dawson and B8 Real Estate, the scheme has attracted a mix of national and international occupiers, with the recent sale of FP3 to global construction chemicals manufacturer Mapei UK, for an undisclosed sum.

Other occupiers on the estate include Stolle Machinery UK, Badgequo and PIH Holdings t/a CRC Evans. Three quarters of the space has already been taken up by manufacturing based occupiers. 

Frontier Park is home to about 375 jobs.

Alex Kenwright, development director at Monte Blackburn, said: "This recent deal is a significant milestone and one that reflects the confidence businesses continue to place in Burnley and Lancashire as locations for investment and growth.

"Frontier Park has always been about more than constructing industrial buildings. It was about creating an environment where businesses can flourish, bringing new employment opportunities and long-term economic value to the area. The calibre of occupiers we have attracted demonstrates the strength of the location and what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together with a shared ambition."

Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of Barnfield Construction, said: "Frontier Park perfectly illustrates what can be achieved when developers, local authorities, consultants and contractors share the same vision and maintain a solution-focused approach throughout the delivery process.

"There is often discussion around how to attract investment into northern towns. Frontier Park provides a clear answer. By delivering high quality space ahead of demand and working collaboratively to remove barriers, we've created a development that has attracted significant occupiers, supported jobs and strengthened Burnley's position as an important commercial location.

"The development has also delivered significant social and economic value throughout its construction. More than 525 people worked on the site, with the project delivered using local labour, including a strong network of Lancashire based subcontractors and suppliers. Keeping investment within the local economy has always been a priority for Barnfield, and Frontier Park is a great example of how major developments can create lasting benefits far beyond the buildings themselves.

"We're equally proud of the opportunities the project has created for future talent. One student who joined the project on a university placement was able to gain invaluable on-site experience throughout the development and has since joined Barnfield permanently as a site manager, demonstrating how schemes like Frontier Park can help develop the next generation of construction professionals."

Lukman Patel, chief executive of Burnley Council, said: "Frontier Park is a fantastic example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved through a long term policy on plan led approach to development.

"This development has attracted significant inward investment, created employment opportunities and reinforced Burnley's reputation as an ambitious place to do business. It demonstrates the confidence that investors have in the borough and supports our wider vision of creating a stronger local economy with opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

"It is great to see existing jobs protected alongside the creation of new employment opportunities. We’re also proud that businesses involved as both occupiers and in the construction of the development are helping to provide much needed opportunities for young people to develop the skills and experience they need to build their careers."