Plans in for next phase of Leyland test track overhaul 

Preston-based developer Providence Gate Group Holdings has lodged plans to create a 208,000 sq ft business park as part of the mixed-use redevelopment of the former vehicle testing facility.

The scheme, to be known as Titan Business Park, is the latest application to come forward as part of the overhaul of the 120-acre site owned by developer Property Capital, and would occupy a 14-acre plot to the north. 

As well as the business park, which would feature a mix of offices and industrial units ranging from 750 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft, plans for the wider redevelopment of the Leyland Motors test track include up to 950 homes.

Titan Business Park would feature a petrol station and a drive-through restaurant. Providence Gate hopes the site would be fully operational by the end of 2022 subject to planning approval. 

The planning consultant for the project is PWA Planning and Manchester-based Four Architects has designed the scheme.  

Charlie Openshaw, director of Providence Gate Group Holdings, said: “We have received a very encouraging level of initial enquiries from local and regional companies looking to expand and relocate in this location. Terms are currently being agreed on some of the units and we are expecting to secure a number of pre-sales, highlighting the strength of the market in this location.”  

Lydia Harper, senior planner at PWA Planning, added: “Titan Business Park will provide high-quality, modern office and commercial space and act as a vital new employment location. It’s estimated that this will create more than 260 full-time jobs once fully operational.” 

The Leyland test track was opened in the 1970s by Leyland Motors to test vehicles from its production line, but the site, located in the Moss Side area of Leyland, has been vacant since 2005. 

South Ribble Council granted outline approval for the redevelopment of the site in 2017 after Property Capital bought the site from the local authority and Pilgrim Technology.

Last October, South Ribble granted housebuilder Barratt Homes permission to build the first phase of 197 homes at the site.

The redevelopment is part of the £434m Preston, South Ribble & Lancashire City Deal.