Nelson development to go ahead with £6m funding

A 100,000 sq ft development in Nelson which will house Limitless Digital Group can now be built after receiving £6.2m from a special fund which unlocks stalled projects.

The Lancashire Urban Development Fund has provided the funds to facilitate the final phase of Lomeshaye Industrial Estate. 

The fund, managed by igloo Investment Management, seeks to enable new industrial developments and unlock stalled developments to drive the economic growth of the county. 

Local contractor Barnfield Construction has been appointed to construct the facility on the final plot of land, with the development being led by PEARL2, a joint venture between Barnfield Investment Properties and Pendle Borough Council.  

Alongside this significant investment, PEARL2 has secured an additional £1m from the Growing Places Fund, managed by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, which supports commercial and industrial developments with the potential to boost the Lancashire economy. 

Developed to provide companies in Pendle with a thriving business community to expand into, the upcoming completion of Lomeshaye Industrial Estate marks a key milestone for PEARL2 and is set to contribute to Lancashire County Council’s ambition to generate new employment opportunities in the county. 

The development is preparing to welcome its first occupier in the coming months, as Limitless Digital Group, a digital retailer focused on the home improvement sector, expands its operations from its Burnley headquarters. The addition of this modern unit is expected to support the firm’s plans for growth in UK and international markets. 

Steve Cunliffe, managing director at Limitless Digital Group, added: “As we looked to scale our operations and drive forward our plans for growth, we required further warehousing space that would enable that. Adding this purpose-built premises to our existing core estate will support our continued product expansion, significantly increasing our picking and dispatch capabilities and enabling us to deliver our growth plans.” 

The Lancashire Urban Development Fund’s resources are drawn from the European Regional Development Fund and have been allocated from the Lancashire European Structural and Investment Funds Programme 2013-20. 

Robert Wood, investment director at igloo Investment Management, said: “We’re delighted to be able to finance the development of Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, supporting the continued creation of high-quality industrial space in Lancashire to drive economic growth and employment in the region."

Coun Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “Funds like this one are critical in enabling the ongoing development of Lancashire’s economy. We have a brilliant opportunity, as a county, to become a destination for growing businesses, supporting them to expand and scale – and I’m pleased to see this project advancing thanks to the all-important funding PEARL2 has secured.” 

Tim Webber, chairman and managing director at Barnfield Construction, said: “Our experienced team are committed to delivering this facility to the highest standard of quality. The development ensures the longevity of the site as a hub for local employment and promises to be a facilitator for Limitless Digital Group’s growth, driving technological advancements and empowering the business for a limitless future.”