New jobs boost for Preston business park

The development, first proposed in 2014 on grassland behind Perry’s Motor Village, will create five new units for businesses to start up, expand and “bring new jobs to the area”.

The joint venture, between Henry Boot Developments and Barnfield Construction, will deliver industrial and warehouse space, with the units ranging in size from 6,700 sq ft to 187,000 sq ft.

A planning statement to the council said the partnership was bringing the development forward “at an opportune time given the continued shortage of Grade A industrial and large-scale employment space in the North West, particularly along the M6 corridor.”

Tim Webber, managing director of Barnfield Construction, said the site was “an excellent opportunity for occupiers, whether for industrial or warehousing use”.

Early interest was “very encouraging”, he added. “We look forward to securing the first occupier and getting started.”

Preston Council gave the go-ahead last week, but struck of a note of caution for developers because of an underground high pressure gas main which runs across the site off Bluebell Way.

Special precautions will have to be taken to protect the structure owned by Cadent.

The authority has said it wants the company to retain as many trees on the site as possible.

Councillors have agreed to divert a public footpath around the site.