A LANDMARK business park near the M65 has been completed - with the prospect of 100 new jobs in the offing.

Network 65, near Hapton, has seen the arrival of the new three-and-a-half acre Kestrel Court, developed by Errigal Developments.

The park, which has been evolving over the last decade is already home to a number of firms, including Smith Aerospace, Lancashire County Council’s transport services and Glen Dimplex.

Project director Rachel Wood said: “The views from here are stunning, stretching right across the Pennines.

“It was this factor that influenced the design of Kestrel Court; we wanted to retain that ‘working in the countryside’ feel, and I feel we have.”

The company are offering a number of purchasing options, including a buy-to-let scheme, to tempt new ventures to Network 65.

Burnley council leader Coun Gordon Birtwistle, who officially opened the building, said: “The council is delighted with this development at Network 65.

“Errigal Developments, with Rachel’s expertise, have done a first class job and it is another sign that, despite difficult national economic circumstances, there are instances when Burnley can buck the national trend, and developments like this can happen.

“It’s a great location, has great facilities and is good for Burnley.”

The opposite site of the motorway junction, on the former Hepworths site, is also ready for an employment bonanza.

But first a transport study, commissioned by Burnley council, must analyse the chances of erecting an access bridge over the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

An estimated 1,000 jobs could be created at the former building products plant, once redevelopment takes place. But currently the only access to the land lies through Hapton village or through Padiham and Stonemoor Bottoms.