Plans advance for £13.2m Samlesbury Innovation Hub

Fresh images have been revealed for the 30,000 sq ft Lancashire tech project, where council sign-off has now been given for a prior notice of development.

Made under the Samlesbury advanced engineering and manufacturing enterprise zone’s local development order, the application was signed off by South Ribble council.

Lancashire is putting the innovation hub front and centre of its efforts this week at the Farnborough International Airshow, where it will be promoted alongside the county’s wider investment offer to businesses looking to establish, expand or collaborate in the UK, asp art of the North West Regional Defence and Security Cluster.

The project team includes MAKE NW as project manager and QS, architect AEW, Stantec providing MEP and civil and structural design, Anderton Gables as principal designer and health & safety consultant ad WFST on fire safety design.

The Innovation Hub will provide up to 30,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space, including office accommodation, collaboration areas and event facilities for businesses operating across aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering, cyber and technology.

Designd for firms of varying size, the design also allows for future adaptation, including the potential for lab-enabled space should demand evolve.

Work to appoint an operator has now started. Credit: Lancashire County Council

Following market engagement through an expression of interest exercise, Lancashire is now preparing to appoint a managing operator, with the aim of ensuring the Innovation Hub is commercially focused and ready to support occupiers from the day it opens.

Simon Lawrence, director of growth and property at Lancashire County Council, said: “Planning approval is another major milestone for the Innovation Hub and moves the project another step closer to delivery.

“The Innovation Hub is being designed around the needs of the businesses we want to attract. It will provide high-quality space where companies can collaborate, develop new ideas and grow within one of the UK’s most established aerospace, defence and cyber locations.

“At the same time, we’re putting the commercial arrangements in place to ensure the building is ready to support occupiers from the day it opens.

“Farnborough gives us the opportunity to introduce the project to businesses that are looking at where they invest next and to demonstrate Lancashire’s long-term commitment to supporting business growth.”

The plans can be seen on South Ribble’s planning portal, reference 07/2026/00320/LDO.

The hope is for the hub to attract other occupiers. Credit: Lancashire County Council