Work begins on Phase 2 of Blackburn business park

Work has begun on the construction of the second phase of Millbank Business Park in Lower Darwen.

The project is being led by Barnfield Blackburn Ltd, a joint venture development company between Barnfield Developments (part of the Barnfield Group) and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

The site is located on Greenbank Terrace/Milking Lane, just off junction 4 M65, and was acquired by the partnership in 2019. Branded as Millbank Business Park

The second phase will see six units built, totalling 35,000 sq ft. Five of these are already under offer with the sixth available for sale or let.

Planning has also been granted for a further 13,500 sq ft on plot 3 of the site and the developer is awaiting planning permission for a further 35,000 sqft on plot 4.

Main contractor, Barnfield Construction Ltd, the construction arm of the Barnfield Group, will undertake the construction works.

Coun Phil Riley, executive member for growth and development at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "It’s fantastic to see that our first joint venture development with Barnfield is performing so well. As a council, we know that successful partnerships like this help make a real difference to our borough.

"The new link road is already well used and this next phase will transform the site with the development of quality, new commercial space that will help support business growth and create new jobs. We’re really looking forward to seeing the end result.”

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at the Barnfield Group, said: "To have 80 per cent of the commercial plots under offer at this stage is phenomenal and further quantifies the demand for commercial space is at a peak not just here in East Lancashire but across the North West. We are looking forward to building out the units for the end users and are actively seeking more sites to develop across the North West."

Neil O’Brien, minister for levelling up, said: "I’m delighted to see work moving into the second phase of development for Mill Bank Business Park. Backed by £1.4m from our Local Growth Fund, the business park will offer new, high quality commercial spaces, drawing investment into the area and allowing businesses to grow and thrive."

Picture caption: Tim Webber, chairman of the Barnfield Group; Cllr Phil Riley of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council; Paul Rogerson, contracts manager ar Barnfield Construction; and Andy Hargreaves, site manager at Barnfield Construction

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