RED begins consultation into Darwen development

Real Estate Development Partnerships is to start public consultation into an £18m scheme in Darwen, Lancashire.

RED Partnerships were appointed by Lucite International, which manufactures acrylic-based products, to build an 18,000 sq ft research and development facility.

The R&D building, design by architects the Harris Partnership, will be paid for by the sale of a redundant four-acre site on Bright Street which will be redeveloped into a 36,000 sq ft supermarket and 173 space car park.

The public are being invited to view and discuss the plans and proposals at open events being held at Lucite International's offices on Duckworth Street between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday 31 July and Thursday 9 August.

The consultation exercise is due to end on 9 August and a planning application will be submitted in September.

Kevin Leith, European HR director of Lucite, said: "The new research and development facility is key to our expansion plans and will help us to maintain our competitive position.

"We hope that the new food store and wider improvements to the area will gain support from the local community."

Damian Flood, managing director of RED Partnerships, said: "This is a great project for Darwen which will consolidate Lucite's presence and expansion, and provide a major jobs boost for the town.

"We are sure that there will be a positive reaction to the £18m investment and look forward to submitting a planning application in September."