First phase of large construction at Burnley Bridge Business Park completed

The 19-metre-high steel framework, built by GMI Construction Group, will make up the last in the Phase One development on the 70-acre site.

The centre set to be occupied by road haulage company Fagan and Whalley as a third UK depot and is being developed by Eshton Group.

The new build will have the capacity for 80 trailers, 10 loading bays and 25,000 pallets.

Andy Bruce, managing director at GMI Construction Group, said: "We are delighted to be working on this project with Eshton and Fagan and Whalley to deliver new, purpose designed distribution facilities that are in high demand in the area.

"GMI specialises in delivering robust, future proof and energy efficient buildings for industrial uses and we are working closely with Fagan and Whalley to deliver a specification that will support a more efficient UK service. "This milestone brings us ahead of schedule with completion due in May."

GMI has delivered other projects for Eshton at Burnley Bridge including Magnesium Court, a 29,000 square foot warehouse and industrial space.

Stephen Fagan, commercial director at Fagan and Whalley, said: "Having the steel framework in place brings us a step closer to completing the project which will play a vital role in our growth plans.

"Both Eshton and GMI have proved to be outstanding partners for us during this project.

"The development work on site is now really gathering pace and we’re looking forward to having brand new, custom built and high quality premises that will add extra capacity and position us perfectly on the M65 corridor."

James Chapman, managing director of Eshton, said he was excited the construction finished.

He said: "It’s great to see the vision for the new Fagan and Whalley accommodation coming to life.

"We look forward to seeing the project progress and are positive that once finished, the distribution centre will provide the company with similar successes that we’ve seen from other occupiers at Burnley Bridge."