Exciting plans for one of the North West’s first truly environmentally friendly business parks aimed at attracting high growth businesses have taken another step towards reality.
Planning permission has now been granted to turn the former power station site at Westwood Park, Wigan into a flagship business park for the region. Central to the masterplan for the site is a “green” concept which embraces the attractive natural environment of the site that has flourished since the closure of the power station.
The detailed building concepts in the masterplan draw on the very latest ideas and proven technologies in construction targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The consent means that Westwood Park can be developed to provide up to 57,000 sq metres of high quality business premises. Major infrastructure works to open up the site have been ongoing for two years and are due for completion early in 2007.
The site is located less than one mile from Wigan Town Centre and less than two miles from Junction 25 of the M6 motorway making it a prime location. Plans are also being developed for a new road which would provide a direct dual carriageway link between Westwood Park and the M6 motorway.
The disposal strategy for Westwood Park is now being finalised and will be taken to the market as a development opportunity in 2007.
Cllr John O’Neill, Deputy Leader of the Council and cabinet member for Regeneration on Wigan Counci, said:
“As part of the Wigan Foundation Economic Development Zone this site is important not just for Wigan Borough but also the whole region in terms of economic benefit and as an exemplar of how modern development can and must incorporate sustainable principles.
“This has been acknowledged by the Royal Town Planning Institute as Westwood Park has been shortlisted for the finals of their annual awards. Several companies, including a single large inward investor, had already expressed interest in the site for development purposes before planning permission was granted. We anticipate that the official launch of the site next year will generate high enquiry levels regionally and nationally. ”.
Contact Keith Molloy on 01942 828988 or Kealey Mulligan 01942 828990 for further discussion or copies of the masterplan.
Notes to editor
Westwood Park is one of the sites of the Foundation Economic Development Zone. Wigan Borough achieved this status in February 2002 and received £14.2 million from the European Regional Development Fund. This is part of wider £30 million regeneration and investment project currently in progress in the South Wigan and Ince area. A further £9m worth of building projects is underway as a result of other European grants.
The masterplan was developed in conjunction with The Fairhurst Design Group, Manchester.
