LPC plans £100m Cheshire development

Developer LPC Living is working with Ilford photographic film maker Harman Technology to create a new headquarters and redevelop part of its site for housing.

Proposals for the scheme in Mobberley will be unveiled at a public exhibition at the end of this week.

As well as the new 180,000 sq ft HQ for Harman, formed in 2005 by former managers of Ilford Imaging UK to continue to make the black and white photo film, LPC plans to build 375 homes on part of the 39-acre site, located in Ilford Way.

There will be highways improvements, a children's play area and community allotments on the remainder of the site.

The Mobberley site, south of Manchester Airport, has been the home of Harman Technology and the Ilford Photo brand for more than 100 years. In its heyday the business employed more than 2,000 staff, however with advances in technology reducing the size of machinery required combined with rising energy and maintenance costs, the company's requirement for the site's large industrial units has declined. LPC's proposals would enable Harman to restructure its facility to suit its modern operation while allowing for future expansion.

Peter Elton, managing director of Harman Technology, said: "This site has been our home for over a century and has real significance to the business and to the people of Mobberley. However, the site currently does not meet our needs and makes it difficult for us to remain competitive in our industry. We have been working with LPC Living on these plans for the last three years which would enhance the future of the business and preserve our heritage."

The public exhibition will take place on Friday 12 July from 1pm to 7pm and Saturday 13 July from 11am to 3pm at the Rajar Building, Town Lane, Mobberley, WA16 7ER. A community information phone line is also available during office hours 0161 711 0293.

LPC is owned by the Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust.

Savills is advising LPC on planning. The architect is MPSL.