Construction work has commenced to create Frontier Park, Hyndburn’s & Blackburn’s largest employment/commercial development adjacent to junction 6 of the M65 motorway, creating an estimated 1,990 new jobs for the region.

Frontier Park will comprise around 1 million sq. ft. of new warehouse and industrial building, a new Euro Garages service area complete with two drive through restaurants, a 150 bedroom hotel and conference / banqueting centre, on a 90 acre site. The scheme can provide units from 100,000 to 400,000 sq. ft. and work on a speculative 186,000 sq. ft. unit will start at the end of the year.

The development is co-owned by Zuber and Moshin Issa, the founding partners of Euro Garages.  The brothers have appointed Barnfield Construction Ltd to undertake the construction initial works.

Zuber Issa said, “This is a really exciting project for us and we are pleased to be making such rapid progress after only purchasing the land 18 months ago. Our aim is to deliver a high quality development that will attract national and international companies to Lancashire, boosting job opportunities and the Region’s wealth.  Thanks to everyone who has helped us so far.”

Phase 1 of the scheme started at the end of May and comprises, site enabling & infrastructure works creating a new access to Whitebirk Roundabout and 7 level, fully serviced plots.  The work involves the removal and replacing of some ½ million cubic metres of earth, equivalent to some 62,500 tipper wagons or the contents of some 200 Olympic sized swimming pools!

Tim Webber, Chairman & Managing Director of Barnfield Construction said, “We’re delighted that Euro Garages have selected Barnfield Construction to be their construction partner on this prestigious and exciting project.  I’m pleased that this very important strategic site is now moving forward after many years of uncertainty.  It’s something that’s very much needed in the East Lancs Corridor and will ultimately be a huge benefit and wealth creator for the area.”

In August, works will also commence on a new Euro Garages Service Area fronting Whitebirk roundabout, including petrol filling station with food and beverage concessions and two new drive through restaurant units.

Construction on a new 186,000 sq. ft. warehouse building will start in December and the first unit will ready by the autumn next year.

The site formerly known as Whitebirk has been a strategic site for the North West for in excess of 15 years.  The Issa brothers purchased the site last year and immediately embarked upon the development of a new masterplan to bring the sites potential to fruition.  The purchase and their subsequent £7 million investment in site enabling and infrastructure reflects their continued confidence in the location.

Andrew Pexton, Director of GVA, said, “Frontier Park is now open for business, the commitment  to undertake the enabling and infrastructure works shows the brothers belief in the location. The speculative build unit will be suitable for both manufacturing and logistics companies, The plateauing works will provide plot sizes that can accommodate units in the size range 100,000 – 400,000 sq. ft. Frontier will be able to offer serviced development plots by the end of the year for large footprint build to suit enquiries.”

Caroline James, Managing Director of Trevor Dawson, commented, “From the regional perspective we are delighted to see a start of the enabling works and the commitment from Euro Garages to the site, which is undoubtedly one of the best in Lancashire.  Bringing the site forward will enable the area to compete for substantial inward investment and employment.”