Plans have been revealed for a huge logistics hub that would bring around 1,250 jobs to Lancashire.
Caddick Developments has submitted plans to build a new 612,500sq ft logistics and industrial hub in Farington, adjacent to Lancashire Business Park - bringing an economic and employment boost to the area.
The proposed 40-acre development would include commercial space, offering a mix of industrial and logistics space with ancillary offices, providing the flexibility to accommodate businesses of all types and sizes.
Proposals 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 the site would create around 830 jobs upon completion, with a further 420 during the construction phase. The plans also include a "significant area" of open space for community use, as well as upgrades to surrounding pedestrian and cycle route
Steve Widdowson, north west director of Caddick Developments, said: “Our proposed development on Farington Park offers an attractive proposition to businesses looking to establish themselves in Central Lancashire and on the northern edges of the Greater Manchester and Merseyside conurbations. 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.
“Granted planning permission, this landmark project would make a key intervention into meeting the increased regional demand for developments of this size and type. In turn, our proposals would provide a significant economic boost to the community and create hundreds of local jobs."
The site is allocated for development in the South Ribble Local Plan, marking it as the largest employment allocation within the borough.
An outline planning application for industrial space has already been granted in 2017.
Caddick said that with demand for commercial and industrial space high in the North West, and the proposed development’s "excellent location and high-quality facilities", it anticipates "high interest" in the development from local businesses looking to expand their premises, as well as businesses without an existing presence in the region.
Mr Widdowson added: “There is continued demand from occupiers to be on the M6 Corridor and this site is very well placed to meet that need.
“With over 40 years of experience in developing commercial projects, Caddick Developments has a proud track record in redeveloping sites such as this, which is economically beneficial for the whole community.”
