A deal worth £1.7 million which should kick start the building of Burnley’s latest multi-million enterprise park has been rubber stamped by development bosses in Lancashire.
Infrastructure works for the Vision Park beside the college and university campus off Princess Way, will be funded by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Under their growth deal allocation, the LEP has awarded the funds which should see the first phase of the initiative, formerly known as Burnley Knowledge Park, take shape by this autumn.
Burnley Council bosses have already met behind closed doors to tenativley agree the development proposal, subject to confirmation of partnership backing at County Hall.
Provisions have been made in the Town Hall’s budget to meet the remaining costs of the £5 million scheme, under plans approved by the councils executive last month.
Advanced manufacturers and digital based companies are being sought for the five-acre site, part of which once housed Burnley’s former household waste centre.
Leeds based developers Trebor have been signed up to promote the park, alongside local estate agents and Burnley Bondholder Trevor Dawson.
Head of Regeneration Kate Ingram said “The project will contribute to the council’s objectives on prosperity, creating a new facility that will foster new and growing businesses in key priority sectors.”
The first phase will see an initial block built fronting Princess Way, with the second and third instalments set deeper into the partially grassed over land.
Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Burnley Council said: ” This £1.7 million should enable us to finally get spades in the ground for the Vision Park, which we have been looking to do for a few years now.”
The partnership is behind improvements to junctions along the M65 as part of the Burnley and Pendle Growth Corridor.
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