It’s pleasing to see clients Maple Grove recently named as the appointed developer of the Town Centres major retail and office scheme. Reel Cinemas are anchoring the site, which will hopefully create further opportunities on the periphery of the town as they vacate their existing location off Manchester Road.
The industrial market in the Borough continues to develop rapidly, with a cycle of developments completing and coming to the market over the Summer. Long term Clients Barnfield Construction Ltd have made a real impact in this regard and continue to be one of the main players in the North of England. A highlight is their work with Boohoo which has come to fruition and over various phases. The fashion giant can now boast over 1 million square feet of industrial space at their Heasandford site for their National Distribution Centre.
The local operators haven’t been neglected, with Burnley Borough Council completing the first phase of a unique scheme at Vision Park. These high specification units have been a popular choice for start-ups. Units range from 825 Sq. Ft to 5,500 Sq. Ft, with quoting rents over £6.50 per Sq. Ft. with also the option to purchase, which is increasing rare for units of this size. This mix of schemes for the SME market, manufacturing industry, together with big box sheds, shows a flexibility within the market place.
The town has changed dramatically over the last decade, the industrial landscape has moved on from predominantly ageing, north light mills with low eaves and poor loading facilities. The majority on such mills have being demolished for residential schemes, improving the towns’ economy and demographics in the process. The town has a historic culture of specialist engineering and Aerospace with emerging BCW recently taking on further accommodation, now totalling 200,000 Sq. Ft. highlighting continued growth in this sector. The town’s industrial heritage has reinvented itself and embraced modern industries.
Developers from out of the area such as Eshton and Trebor have shown that the location has greater appeal and “hotspot” locations on the peripheries of City Centres; Trafford Park, Heywood and Stakehill industrial estates, have their own issues and have become difficult for the both the developer and the end user these include rising wages, lack for staff, increased land values and accessibility. We have seen developers open their horizons and towns like Burnley are benefiting tremendously. The recently agreed local plan will also look to provide a helping hand with another swathe of employment land being released along the M65 motorway.
As the football club embarks on its own European adventures making new friends in new Countries and Cities, “little old Burnley” is certain on the rise.
NR Insights 