WORK is set to start on Burnley's new 'education campus' technology park in the New Year, it has been announced.

Council bosses have confirmed a deal has been finalised with Leeds-based Trebor Developments for the the first phase of Vision Park, beside the Burnley College and UCLan building.

Under the contract, starting in January, initial work will focus on providing larger business units, of 5,000 square feet or more, and smaller 'workspace' units on the site off Princess Way.

Preparatory work will then be undertaken on the second and third phases of the park, aiming to offer office, industrial or hybrid space, which can be designed according to potential tenants' requirements.

Council leader Cllr Mark Townsend said: "Burnley is becoming a regionally significant centre for advanced manufacturing and we are creating modern business environments to attract growing business in this sector, which will benefit from being based among businesses at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and digital industries.

"Vision Park will provide a unique offer to advanced manufacturing and digital industries that can connect to the unrivalled manufacturing and robotic technologies in the adjacent education campus."

Nelson-based Barnfield Construction has been selected as the construction partner for the project, with the first section expected to be completed by next summer.

Bob Tattrie, Trebor's managing director, is hoping to establish Vision Park, which has been part-funded with a £1.7million Lancashire Economic Partnership grant, as the premium employment location in Burnley.

"We have also selected a local contractor with an excellent reputation to deliver the construction, this maximising the opportunity for local employment," he said.

"We are sure there will be strong occupier demand for the phase one accommodation and future phases."

Marketing for the site is being handled by East Lancashire agents Trevor Dawson and Manchester-based GVA and it has been confirmed several enquiries have been made by would-be occupiers.

Andrew Brown, a senior estimator at Barnfield, added: "We are looking forward to delivering another exciting project within Burnley. The project compliments the adjacent Burnley College building and provides much needed high-quality commercial and industrial premises from which Burnley can build on its economic success."