‘Ambitious’ retail-led development to create 4500 Lancashire jobs

Plans have been revealed for a retail-led development in Lancashire that could create thousands of employment opportunities.

The scheme, located on a strategic site at the start of the M65 motorway in Cuerden, would deliver 4,500 new jobs and 861,000 sq ft of industrial space.

Anchored by a new IKEA store, the project would include five large-format units geared towards national retailers.

Discussing the project, Lancashire County Council Leader Jennifer Mein said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a development that will bring economic and employment benefits for the whole of the county.

“Situated at the start of the M65 and minutes from the M6 and the M61, the site could not be better placed.”

She added: “This development is a key part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal and shows just how it will bring jobs and prosperity to the area.”

Lancashire County Council will run a public consultation on the plans from Monday (November 14) alongside development partners Eric Wright Group and Brookhouse Group, ahead of the planning application being submitted.

County Council Leader Jennifer Mein called on locals to “have their say on this ambitious project through the public consultation”.

In addition to the IKEA and new industrial space, the development could deliver a 120-bed hotel with gym facilities, 210 new homes and around 280,000 sq ft of office and business space.

Eric Wright Group’s Jeremy Hartley said: “Cuerden has long been seen as one of the best development opportunity sites in the North West, and as a local company we are delighted to be working alongside the county council, as their Regeneration Partner, to bring this site forward.

“The site requires a major investment into infrastructure in order to make it available for development.”

The Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, Cllr Peter Mullineaux, commented: “This could be a very exciting development, which has the potential to bring significant economic opportunities to South Ribble.

“Cuerden fits very well with our drive to provide the conditions for businesses to thrive, offering the space for existing businesses to grow as well as being an attractive offer for new ventures.”

Commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton is acting for Lancashire County Council and Eric Wright Group to attract additional retailers for the scheme.