Thousands of trees planted at enterprise zone

Three thousand trees have been planted and new ponds created as part of ecological work designed to attract wildlife to Samlesbury Enterprise Zone.

In addition to creating natural habitats, the water attenuation ponds and open drainage features will help to manage the site's surface water run-off.

The Enterprise Zone is also home to Lancashire’s first solar net zero substation. Electricity North West's 33,000-volt net zero substation has 91 solar panels which will allow the substation to self-sufficiently run its electrical switchgear and lighting.

Considered to be the first net zero substation in the county, it provides capacity to support the development of the Enterprise Zone, while also promoting green growth in the region.

Phillippa Williamson, chief executive, and Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, planted trees during a visit to the former BAE Systems runway site to see the latest progress.

Coun Williamson said: “Our development of Samlesbury Enterprise Zone is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a truly world-class development, with the aim of bringing thousands of jobs to Lancashire, whilst ensuring we deliver a high-quality and sustainable site.

"There are many ecological and environmental measures being put in, which will help to reduce the impact of the development, benefiting the environment, and which are all part of a wider programme of activity contributing to our Low Carbon site strategy."

A significant amount of material from the former runway at Samlesbury has also been reprocessed and recycled for use in the resurfacing of some roads in the county.

Coun Aidy Riggott said: "We’re working hard to develop this site as a high quality and a highly desirable place for businesses to be based. We've got strong interest already in businesses wanting to relocate here, which will help to bring new jobs and growth to the county. The site's strong environmental credentials will appeal to quality businesses with similar values to our own."

The Samlesbury Enterprise Zone is a major, regional, and strategically important employment site, with the potential to generate around 2,500 high value jobs and investment value of well over £200 million.

The site is already home to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, North West managed by the University of Sheffield and BAE Systems' Academy for Skills and Knowledge, as well as their Defence Logistics Centre and Asset Management Facility.