Barnfield Blackburn Limited, the joint venture development company between Barnfield Developments (part of the Barnfield Group) and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, have completed the first phase of work and have now officially opened Millbank Road.
The site is located on Greenbank Terrace/Milking Lane, just off junction 4 M65, and was acquired by the partnership in 2019. Branded as Mill Bank Business Park, the site is in a prominent location for commercial and residential development and is the first of several sites acquired by the development JV.
The completed Millbank Road provides a new road through the site, linking Greenbank Terrace and Milking Lane. The road not only provides access to the future development plots for residential and commercial use, but also reduces congestion on Milking Lane. In addition, extensive works within the site have been carried out to help alleviate flooding on Greenbank Terrace. The main contractor, Barnfield Construction Ltd, the construction arm of the Barnfield Group, has undertaken the construction works.
Deals have been agreed for 48,500 sqft of commercial space with new tenants and occupiers for three of the four available plots. Plans have been submitted with commence on site expected early 2022. The JV is in advanced discussions with an occupier for the fourth plot with plans brought forward later this year. In addition, the JV has agreed to sell the two residential parcels to Elan Homes, with planning to be submitted early autumn for 76 new family homes. Trevor Dawson and Taylor Weaver have been supporting the JV as joint agents for the commercial development.
Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Development and Acquisition at Barnfield Group commented:
“To have 3 out of the 4 commercial plots under offer at this stage is phenomenal and further quantifies the demand for commercial space is at a peak not just here in East Lancashire but across the Northwest. We are keen to get back on site building out the units for the end-users as soon as we have the necessary consent.”
Simon Jones, Growth Director for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said:
“The Council is pleased to see its first joint venture development with Barnfield performing so well, especially given the significant sites challenges. We welcome the opening of the new Millbank road for our residents and businesses of Lower Darwen to use.”
Debbie Francis OBE, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, which contributed £1.4m to the scheme through the Growth Deal Programme said: “It is great to see public and private sector partners working together to unlock and facilitate developments and we are delighted to support this project which will result in a high quality mixed use development in the area. The Greenbank Terrace link road is a natural extension to the Darwen East Development Corridor scheme, which previously secured £2.5m from the LEP’s Growth Deal. The completed new road and reduced flood risk measures, provides the essential infrastructure to deliver new homes, commercial space and jobs for the town.”
Main image: Left to right – Derek Speak – Site Manager at Barnfield Construction; Debbie Francis OBE – Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership; Dwayne Lowe – Head of Highways; Simon Jones – Growth Programme Director, Blackburn with Darwen Council; Tracy Clavell-Bate – Head of Development & Acquisitions, Barnfield Group; Steve Riley – Contracts Director, Barnfield Construction; Cllr Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development; Tim Webber MBE – MD & Chairman of the Barnfield Group; Denise Park – Chief Executive, Blackburn with Darwen Council; Cllr Denise Gee; The Rt Hon Jake Berry MP
Optional image: Left to right – Tim Webber MBE – MD & Chairman of the Barnfield Group; Cllr Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development; Simon Jones – Growth Programme Director, Blackburn with Darwen Council; Steve Riley – Contracts Director, Barnfield Construction;
