29 July 2010
Work starts on £30 million Business Park and industrial zone at
Penny Lane, Haydock
Work to transform former brownfield sites in Haydock is now
underway. A new business development, Empress Park and an
industrial zone at Boston Park, home to a former colliery site,
will pave the way for over 2,000 jobs.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with £4
million, the £30 million scheme will increase the supply of high
quality office and industrial accommodation in the area, meeting
the needs of SME businesses.
The scheme will include a number of elements:
• The reclamation of 2.9 hectares of brownfield land
• 4,552m² of office and industrial accommodation constructed
and pre-let to three North West companies
• 6,716m² of speculative industrial and office space
constructed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards
• Infrastructure to bring forward 2.25 hectares of brownfield
land for a new office development
Altrincham-based developer and investor, Morley Estates will
undertake the work, creating the mixed-use scheme within landscaped
grounds to accommodate offices, hybrid business units, high tech
industrial units, retail and leisure opportunities.
The site will offer companies the space to expand, excellent
motorway links and the expertise of a skilled local labour market
in the distribution and logistics sector.
This occasion was marked at the site with representatives from
the European Regional Development Fund, Morley Estates and St
Helen’s Council.
David Malpass, Director of the European Programme, said:
“I am delighted to mark the start of work at Empress Park. In
utilising the area for industrial and business use, the former
colliery will ultimately create thousands of jobs for the area,
with the knock-on positive effects felt throughout the local
community such as increased property values and investor
confidence.”
Gareth Middleton, Development Director, Morley Estates said:
“From the outset we have been focused on creating Empress Park
into a business destination of the highest specification. The site
development is excellent both in terms of its location at Junction
23 at the M6 motorway and its prominent position.”
Mark Dickens, Head of Regeneration, St.Helens Council said:
“The current financial climate means St.Helens’ competitive
advantages in terms of connectivity, catchment and cost are even
more relevant to businesses keen to trim operating costs and
maximise efficiency. Empress Park’s prime location can deliver real
economic benefits to businesses looking to expand or relocate in
the Borough.”
Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Council Cabinet Member for
Urban Regeneration and Housing, added:
“This is a great addition to our business accommodation offer in
the Borough. Morley’s investment in Empress Park is strategically
important in terms of creating employment opportunities for over
2,000 people - a significant addition to the local economy.”
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Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press
Officer, NWDA on 01925 400232 or mobile 07500 182482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925
400259.
ERDF in the Northwest
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is making a real
difference to people and businesses in the Northwest. With €755
million to invest between 2007 and 2013, ERDF is enhancing the
competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in
enterprise and employment.
ERDF in the Northwest is managed by the Northwest Regional
Development Agency (NWDA). For further information please visit
www.erdfnw.co.uk