The first three buildings of a major 500,000 sq ft business park in Burnley are set to be completed, developers have announced.

The Frontier Park Burnley project headed by Issa brothers-owned Monte Blackburn Limited (MBL) will see a further two plots constructed at the five-unit scheme. 

The firm said the cornerstone of the development is a pre-let deal with Stolle Machinery, a supplier of two-piece can and end-making machinery for the can-making industry. 

Monte Blackburn Limited said: “The new Stolle manufacturing facility, spanning 157,740 sq ft, inclusive of 7,740 sq ft designated for offices, will accommodate 180 employees engaged in engineering and other high-value skilled roles. 

“Upon completion of the tenant's substantial fit-out plans, the facility will be primed to facilitate innovation and productivity. 

“This landmark deal represents the inaugural phase of MBL's £75million investment in Burnley, signalling our commitment to fostering economic prosperity and job creation in the region. 

“As discussions with other potential commercial occupiers gain momentum, it is evident that there is a growing demand for high-quality industrial operational and warehousing in the area.”

The project is located off junction 9 of the M65, adjacent to Network 65 Business Park and opposite Burnley Bridge Business Park.

The new development follows the completion of Frontier Park Blackburn where nearly 1,000,000 sq ft was speculatively built and is now fully let.

It was announced in October, Barnfield Construction would be the main contractor, the same as the Blackburn site which now includes a petrol filling station and drive-thrus at the entrance to the estate, together with a Hampton by Hilton Hotel.