WHISTLE-STOP helicopter tours introduced prospective investors, local councillors and the press to Leigh's newly renamed and relaunched Bridgewater Business Park.

The West Bridgewater Street site, formerly BICC Cables, has been bought by property developer Brian Scowcroft, who plans an extensive refurbishment programme to transform the site into a prime industrial complex, creating hundreds of new jobs.

Salford-born Mr Scowcroft is no stranger to such projects, having successfully redeveloped the 300-acre Kingmoor Park site in Carlisle, Crossley Park in Stockport and Jackson Square and Jackson Wharf -- a shopping centre with adjoining development land in Bishop's Stortford, near Stansted.

Mr Scowcroft said: "We are excited about the prospect of bringing such a development back to life. The broader vision could involve developing along the canal, which may include retail and leisure facilities, but when decisions have been made we will be looking at a two to three year vision for Leigh."

Plans for the 18 and a half acre Leigh site are currently under discussion and should start taking shape over the coming months. It is expected to offer a range of workshop and warehouse units from 2,000 to 113,892 square feet.

Secured

The complex will be secured by a 24-hour CCTV system, with an on-site management team on hand to ensure efficient running.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham said: "It's great news for Leigh. It is a very important site in the centre of town and if it is redeveloped in the right way it could really help transform the image of the town.

"I've suggested using the site for a mixture of purposes, and including leisure as well as industrial business. There is potential to develop the canal bank as part of the development and create a first class facility for Leigh."

Councillor Brian Jarvis said: "As chairman of Leigh Town Centre Risk Management Group I welcome this development of a prime Leigh site, it will be good for both the town centre and the people of Leigh."

Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith is very positive about the forthcoming project, he said: "This is a new opportunity for Leigh and something we really need. This site has been the economic heart of Leigh for over a hundred years and this development could bring it back, creating many more jobs, which is good news for everyone."

Hope Carr Councillor Kevin Anderson, also added his support: "I'm pleased to see this potential development for Leigh after 20 years of industrial decline. Developments like this help regain the town's confidence."