FIREM lodges 1.3m sq ft Chorley logistics plan
Located on 100 acres at the border of Chorley and Blackburn of Junction 3 of the M65, the scheme comprises two large units aimed at plugging a gap in the region’s supply of industrial space.
FI Real Estate Management has submitted plans for the 1.3m sq ft industrial development to Chorley Council having consulted on the proposals late last year.
FIREM estimates the development could generate up to 1,300 jobs and contribute nearly £400m to the local economy.
Although situated in the Green Belt, the emerging Central Lancashire Local Plan has identified Chorley’s M65 corridor as an opportunity to meet future employment needs.
Tim Knowles, founder and managing director of FIREM, said: “There are currently no commercial spaces available at this scale in the region.
“This development will attract the next generation of businesses to this well-connected part of Chorley and deliver jobs for the local economy.”
The Chorley-based developer already has one large scheme underway on its home patch; the 1m sq ft, three-phase redevelopment of Botany Bay off Junction 8 of the M61.
“We’re passionate about continuing to invest in Chorley, and our plans for this latest site will also aim to generate inward investment for Chorley and the surrounding areas,” Knowles added.
“As with all FIREM investments, we are a long-term investor. This development will remain in our ownership and be proactively managed as a catalyst for future investment in Chorley.”
FIREM is expanding rapidly. As well as the 2.3m sq ft of new-build accommodation it is delivering in Chorley, the firm also has a large presence on Wrexham Industrial estate, amassing a 3.1m sq ft portfolio.
Nationally, FIREM’s portfolio spans 15m sq ft.
