Blackburn declares Barnfield preferred bidder for industrial site

The council found the developer’s pitch to build 246,000 sq ft of logistics facilities on 19 acres by the M65 tempting, recommending the scheme over Maple Grove’s rival 220,500 sq ft plan.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive will now vote on 9 October on whether to sell the land off Issa Way to Barnfield Contractors or not. Maple Grove has been named the reserve bidder.

Barnfield’s vision is in line with the area’s local plan allocation, which is for 293,900 sq ft of industrial space that the council hopes will attract blue-chip manufacturing businesses.

If awarded the land, Barnfield would build four speculative units ranging from 15,000 sq ft to 116,000 sq ft on the land.

The development would be rolled out in a phased manner, with a planning application for the first phase to be submitted next year. Construction on this phase would then be set to begin before the end of 2026, with the buildings ready for occupation in 2028.

As per the deal with the council, Barnfield would need to contribute £1.3m for the construction of improvements of the M65’s Junction 5.

Barnfield would pay an undisclosed amount for the land over a course of four tranches. The first would be made upon completion of the land sale, with 25% set to be paid as the development’s phases complete.

The company is due to pay a £1 deposit for the site as it is liable for all the planning costs.

“We are delighted to have been named the preferred developer for this important strategic employment site in Blackburn,” said Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at Barnfield Group, of which Barnfield Contractors is a subsidiary.

Clavell-Bate continued: “This is a prime location for businesses, with excellent access to the motorway network and a well-established employment cluster.”

Regarding the proposed deal, Simon Jones, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth programme director, said: “We are an ambitious council with a £1bn vision for the future.

“This vision is driven by a mission to create a more prosperous borough that benefits our residents and businesses,” he continued.

“The site off Issa Way is a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen our commercial offer – attracting blue-chip manufacturing businesses, encouraging new investment, and supporting the creation of new jobs.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council is familiar with Barnfield Group and is already working with the company as part of the Barnfield Blackburn joint venture. The JV started work on the 53,100 sq ft R&D-focussed Revolution Park earlier this year. The group also delivered the 35,000 sq ft Mill Bank Business Park last year, which is fully let.