Work starts on new business units at Blackpool Enterprise Zone

Work has started to build 11 new business units at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Prospect Development NW has started construction at Plot 109, between Lancaster House and Lockheed Court on Amy Johnson Way.

 Once complete, the 1.8 acre site will include warehousing and office space, ranging from 190 sqm to 400 sqm. Construction of the land is set to complete in autumn next year.

Four of the units are already sold, with the remaining units becoming available for sale early next year. 

 In addition, the site will provide parking for 60 cars, including electric vehicle charge points, bicycle storage and motorcycle parking. The site will also have a range of landscaping fronting Amy Johnson Way including trees and shrubbery.

 The development is the latest in a line of private and public sector developments on the business park since it was granted Enterprise Zone status in 2016.

 Over 200,000 sqft of new accommodation has been developed since 2016, with another 176,500 sqft refurbished. In total the Enterprise Zone is home to over 200 companies and around 4,000 jobs.

A new £18.5m road is expected to open in 2025, creating additional land for commercial development, as well as providing a second access road.

 Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for economy and built economy, said: “Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is becoming one of the North West’s premier business destinations, supporting thousands of jobs for people on the Fylde coast.

 “Our commitment to invest in infrastructure such as the new road is creating an environment where the private sector is also investing in new business units, creating space for more companies to start and grow, and creating more jobs, boosting our local economy and making Blackpool better.”

The Enterprise Zone is a 25-year project between Blackpool Council and Fylde Council to attract quality jobs to the area for local people, with Blackpool Council so far committing up to £54m in infrastructure costs, along with support from a £7.5m grant from the UK government towards building the new road.

Blackpool Airport was awarded enterprise status in 2016 until 2041.

The Enterprise Zone is a 144 hectare site that includes Blackpool Airport, Blackpool Retail Park, Blackpool Business Park and surrounding land up to the border of Common Edge Road.

 The purpose of the Enterprise Zone status is to: create jobs and long term sustainable growth, unlock development sites, build new roads, utilities and supporting housing and schools and attract new business to the area.