Preferred developer named for strategic site

Barnfield has been named as the preferred developer for a major new employment site in Blackburn.

The Nelson headquartered group’s development arm, Barnfield Contractors UK, has set out its proposals for the site, which sits off Issa Way.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is now looking to sell the land to the firm, which specialises in industrial and commercial developments.

The 19-acre site, which benefits from direct links to the M65, sits within an established employment cluster that is already home to local, national and international businesses, including Perspex International, WEC Group and Chubb.

The vacant site has been earmarked for employment use within Blackburn with Darwen’s Local Plan and is being presented as a prime development opportunity for high-quality industrial units, designed to attract blue-chip manufacturing businesses.

A report to the council’s executive board set out its ambitions for the strategic development site, which include supporting business expansion and attracting new investment to the borough.

Simon Jones, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth programme director, said: “We are an ambitious council with a £1bn vision for the future.

“This vision is driven by a mission to create a more prosperous borough that benefits our residents and businesses.

“The site off Issa Way is a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen our commercial offer - attracting blue-chip manufacturing businesses, encouraging new investment and supporting the creation of new jobs.

“Following a tender process, Barnfield Contractors UK Ltd has been chosen as the preferred developer, and we are now seeking permission from the council’s executive board to sell this land for development.”

Barnfield’s proposals include 246,000sq ft of industrial space, with a planning application expected in 2026. Subject to approval, the first phase of B2/B8 units could be completed as early as 2028.

As part of the agreement, £1.3m from the sale of the land will contribute towards planned improvements at junction five of the M65.

That money is part of a wider £30m investment in transport links for the area, including upgrades to walking, wheeling and cycling routes.

Barnfield has a strong portfolio of work and delivery in the borough. It has delivered new headquarters for Brookhouse Aerospace in Darwen and is leading work on the Revolution Park development at Chapels and the expansion of neighbouring Perspex International.

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at Barnfield Group, said: “We are delighted to have been named the preferred developer for this important strategic employment site in Blackburn.

“This is a prime location for businesses, with excellent access to the motorway network and a well-established employment cluster.”