Plans submitted for 1m sq ft employment park in Lancashire

Plans have been submitted to Hyndburn Borough Council for a one million sq ft employment park at Whitebirk in Lancashire.

Subject to planning permission, the development, known as Frontier Park, would transform an 85-acre site adjacent to Junction 6 of the M65 comprising largely agricultural land into a significant new economic hub in the heart of Lancashire.

The plans had been presented to local communities and stakeholders at a public consultation ahead of the submission of the formal planning application.

In total, the Economic Plan identifies the potential for East Lancashire to generate almost 10,000 jobs and over £500m for the local economy through key employment sites such as Frontier Park.

Gabriel McLaughlin, director and head of asset management at Praxis, said: “This development has the potential to transform the site into a vibrant economic centre, attracting inward investment, bringing visitors to the area and, most importantly, creating jobs for local people both during and after construction.

“We have also remained in close dialogue with local communities throughout the process, and are confident that this proposed scheme will bring real and long-lasting benefits to local residents, generating new employment opportunities and boosting the wider economy.”

Secondary access would also be created by connecting the road running through Frontier Park to the southern end of Blackburn Road. This route is intended for use by local residents, buses, park employees, cyclists and pedestrians. Should the scheme receive planning permission, earthworks are scheduled to start in December 2015 and expected to last nine months. The initial phase of construction would begin in 2016 with the first building occupied by the end of 2017. Subject to demand, the entire development is expected to be completed within five years.