Toy Story is the latest chapter in FWP's Mill Farm masterplan

The latest multi-million-pound phase of the ambitious Mill Farm masterplan on the outskirts of Kirkham is nearing completion.

Toy manufacturer HTI Group is creating its new headquarters and manufacturing and logistics facility on the Sports Village site as part of its major expansion plans.

It is the latest addition to the 31-acre mixed-use development at Wesham, which has grown to be an important contributor the local economy since the plan was first unveiled by chairman of the Tangerine Group and AFC Fylde, David Haythornthwaite, 15 years ago.

Since that time Mill Farm has created more than 200 full time jobs on site, delivering a major boost to the economy of the Fylde.

The latest 200,000 sq ft facility for HTI includes offices and a showroom, bringing its manufacturing, warehousing and headquarters functions together.

The award-winning Mill Farm Sports Village is home to ambitious non-league football club AFC Fylde and the 6,000-capacity stadium was the first piece in the Mill Farm jigsaw.

Preston headquartered architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP has been involved in Mill Farm from day one, working with the club owner David Haythornthwaite, both to shape the plans for the mixed-use development and to create a special home for the football team and its supporters.

The stadium and its Premier League standard facilities were delivered on time from concept to completion by FWP’s specialist sports multi-disciplinary team.

It was also involved in this latest phase of the development, acting as architects, project managers and quantity surveyors on the HTI Group project up to the planning consent stage.

David Haythornthwaite said: “This is another milestone for Mill Farm and a great feather in the cap for the people of the Fylde coast. To get a business of this stature to relocate to the area, and anything that helps to improve it can only be beneficial.”

FWP, which has offices in Preston, Manchester and London, worked closely with AFC Fylde to create a vibrant and modern sporting venue that is seen as a real asset to the local community and its economy.

The club’s home at Mill Farm includes a 290-capacity sports bar, a 70-seater Italian restaurant with an ‘al fresco’ roof terrace, a café, large conference and event facilities and a five-star hotel.

The site, which sits just off junction three of the M55, has seen an Aldi supermarket open, along with a 24-hour EG on the Move petrol station, integrating a convenience store, and a host of well-known fast-food outlets.

Mill Farm is also home the Fylde Sports and Education Centre, which as well as being the base for the Fylde Hockey Club, has as six, seven-a-side and two full size 3G pitches, which are used by the local community seven days a week.

Leading animal health and equestrian products wholesaler Trilanco, which relocated from Poulton, operates from a purpose-built facility on the site. Its distribution centre and offices occupy six-acres and boasts a 110,000 sq ft warehouse.

David Robinson, FWP managing director, said: “We’re very proud of the part we’ve played in the Mill Farm Sports Village journey over the past 15 years. It has had a huge economic impact on the area and continues to deliver jobs.

“From the original concept to the vibrant mixed-used development you see today, we’ve worked with David and his team to create a real destination venue for sport, leisure and entertainment as well as high-quality logistics and manufacturing operations.

“The HTI Group’s impressive new facility is the latest piece in the Mill Farm jigsaw, bringing one of the UK's largest independently owned designers and manufacturers of children's toys to the area. It is a major coup for Mill Farm and its team.”

Founded in Preston in 1960, today FWP is involved in a host of multi-million-pound sports, leisure, health and cultural projects for a range of clients.

Its work covers all aspects of construction, from cost management to architecture and master planning services. It also has offices in Manchester and London and has grown into a creative force with a national reputation for excellence.

FWP’s strategic advice and design expertise has benefited a host of football clubs, including ambitious non-league sides such as AFC Fylde, Hastings United and FC United of Manchester.

It spearheaded the acclaimed regeneration of Preston North End’s Deepdale home and designed and delivered EFL club Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium.

Away from football, FWP’s award-winning team was behind the highly-acclaimed redevelopment of Doncaster Racecourse, home of the St Leger – one of Britain’s five classic horse races and it was also involved in work to improve facilities at York racecourse.

•           For more information visit www.fwpgroup.co.uk email [email protected] or call 01772 259 824.