Plans have been approved for a major new logistics hub in Lancashire hoped to provide more than 1,000 jobs.
A logistics and industrial hub is now set to be built in Farington on a 612,500sq ft site adjacent to Lancashire Business Park.
According to Caddick, the developer behind the scheme, it is anticipated to create over 1,000 full-time jobs with a further 460 in the supply chain, and 280 positions during the construction phase.
That's alongside an estimated £66.6m economic output per annum. Plans were approved by South Ribble Borough Council last week, and are hoped to provide a "significant economic boost to the region".
Steve Widdowson, North West Director of Caddick Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have received initial approval to bring forward this crucial project, which will contribute to the economic recovery of the region from the Covid-19 pandemic, through the creation of hundreds of local jobs.
“This landmark project offers an attractive proposition to businesses looking to establish themselves in the North West, with excellent access to Central Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside. As well as being ideally located on the transport network, the scheme would offer flexible commercial space to suit businesses of all shapes and sizes.
“This site is very well placed to meet the continued demand for developments of this type, size, and location from occupiers looking to be on the M6 Corridor.”
The development will include a range of unit sizes to accommodate the needs of future occupiers, including big-box distribution units, mid-box production and warehousing, as well as smaller units for local businesses.
Caddick said with warehouse and distribution stock levels at an "all-time low" in the North West, the new hub will provide a much-needed boost to supply.
A spokesman said: "Given its strategic location and high specification design the development has already attracted interest from national and local businesses."
The scheme also incorporates a significant area of open space for community use, with planned upgrades to surrounding pedestrian and cycle routes to allow for sustainability accessibility.
It was designed by Yorkshire architects KPP, with NJL Consulting having been appointed as planning consultants.
