Member Article

Yorkshire businesses collaborate on £50 million business park

Extensive collaboration between Yorkshire businesses has enabled the first completed units at Burnley Bridge Business Park, Lancashire, to come available for letting and sale.

Law firm Gordons has advised Eshton, based in Guiseley, Leeds, with regards to the land since 2008, acting on the ongoing development phase, the appointment of the construction team, planning issues and on finance and grant documentation. Gordons has also been appointed to act on the upcoming disposals.

Government-backed Burnley Bridge Business Park is a strategic new 70-acre development, at junction 9 of the M65. The £50 million scheme will provide 700,000 sq ft of industrial and distribution space and is expected to create 1,400 jobs.

The business park features serviced site packages and on-site amenities and was officially opened by Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Gordons team was led by Ben Lamb, solicitor, and included construction solicitor Sarah Hodgson and planning partner Kate Butterfield. Gordons’ role was overseen by managing partner Paul Ayre.

James Chapman, managing director, Eshton, said: “This is the largest new development on the M65 corridor for more than a decade, with excellent logistics connections and in close proximity to a large and affordable labour pool.

“Gordons has done a fantastic job and we look forward to continuing to work with Ben and the team in the future.”

Mike Dove, partner, Dove Haigh Phillips, advised Eshton from the outset of the project. Eshton has also appointed other West Yorkshire-based organisations including: construction consultants Rex Proctor & Partners; architects KPP; and engineers BSCP.

Ben Lamb said: “The site can accommodate units from 2,000 sq ft to 700,000 sq ft and is suitable for all industrial sectors. We’re thrilled to have been involved in progressing the development of the business park and are delighted to act on the future disposals.”

Construction of the first phase has been delivered with the help of £3.85 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and support from Lancashire’s Growing Places Fund.

Gordons LLP has offices in Leeds, Bradford and London, employs 265 people and has a turnover of more than £25.3m. Clients include Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc, construction and high performance materials manufacturer Saint Gobain, international brewers Molson Coors, greetings card retailer Card Factory and the world’s largest electrical heating business Glen Dimplex.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .