Developer News, January 2012

Despite all the pessimism about the state of the national economy, the last quarter of 2011 saw significant progress being made on several developments across Pennine Lancashire. It appears that this determinism to push ahead with projects has continued into January 2012 and there are a number of exciting projects ready to go, more details of which are below.

Chris Standish
Economic Development Consultancy Manager

Key Milestone reached for the Valley Centre

Earlier this month, plans for the redevelopment of the Valley Centre project in Rossendale passed a key milestone with the granting of planning permission and a Conservation Area consent for a proposal that will demolish much of the existing centre and create a new temporary town square where local community groups can hold events. The square may even attract interest from businesses looking to host activities there.

This follows rapidly on the heels of the Council’s acquisition of the site last November.  The Council has been resolute in taking forward this important town centre project and are continuing their efforts to secure a development partner for a longer term redevelopment of the site.

Todmorden Curve update

A planning application has been submitted for a new station building and improved passenger services at Burnley Manchester Road. This is linked to the £8.8m Todmorden Curve rail infrastructure project that will halve the journey time between Burnley and Manchester.

A supplementary European Regional Development Fund bid has been submitted that will help pay for the proposal, should it be given consent.

Construction starts at Burnley Bridge

Construction is about to begin at Pennine Lancashire’s new £50m Burnley Bridge Business Park.  Developers Eshton have secured a grant from the European Regional Development Fund that enables them to start work on a new road bridge across the Leeds/Liverpool canal, linking the park to access from J9 of the M65

The project is another positive sign of growth and activity for Burnley, which seems to pressing forward with a number of projects that could ultimately bring jobs and wealth to the Borough.

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor

Stanley House Hotel is on track to complete the addition of 18 new bedrooms and a state-of-the-art spa, which will incorporate five treatment rooms, a double treatment room with razul, salt and aroma steam rooms, a Finnish sauna, hydrotherapy pool, relaxation lounge, experience showers and an ice fountain. The facility will also feature a new gym and a Pilates studio.  The work will be completed this summer.

Local architects Campbell Driver and Barnfield Construction are both closely involved in the project which is likely to create 20 new jobs.

A boost for the Aerospace Industry

Accrington based RLC (UK) limited, based at Altham Industrial Estate, has seen turnover rise by 66% over the past year. The company employs around 700 people and supplies services to Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Airbus (amongst many others).

Darwen is on the up

Consultation to agree a new regeneration framework for Darwen Town Centre has commenced.  Led by the Council, it aims to update previous plans and wants businesses and landowners to come forward with ideas. This round of consultation runs until 3 February 2012.

Meanwhile, a stalled housing site in Darwen looks likely to be redeveloped into 50 apartments aimed at the over 60’s. Developer Mulbury Homes, in-conjunction with Twin Valley Homes, are intending to complete construction at the former Darwen Health Centre site on Union Street.

Accrol generates major growth

Blackburn based Accrol that makes toilet and kitchen rolls, has almost doubled its turnover from £27million in 2009 to £52million last year. The firm, based in Davyfield Road at Roman Road Industrial Estate,Blackburn, has also increased the number of people it employs from 100 to around 180. It has recently added a 120,000 square foot building to its operation, taking its total space from around 180,000 square feet to nearly 300,000.

Regenerate Consultancy Services in demand

Our new consultancy service had a very busy December and New Year start.  We were busy submitting a number of proposals before Christmas and are now confirming the details of a number that will help to bring new investment and jobs to Pennine Lancashire. Expanding the range of our services whilst remaining firmly focussed on our aim of bringing forward growth and new jobs is proving to be a successful formula.

For further details, please contact myself on the below

Chris Standish MA (Hons) MRTPI
Economic Development Consultancy Manager
Regenerate Pennine Lancashire
A: Suite 22, The Globe Centre, St. James Square, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 0RE.
T: 07970 546683
E:chris.standish@regeneratepl.co.uk