Work begins on next phase of Crown

A joint venture between Capital & Centric and Barnfield Construction has started speculative construction of the second phase of its 18-acre Crown Business Park in Rochdale.

The first phase of two office buildings totalling 15,180 sq ft and a speculative industrial unit of 30,000 sq ft were completed in May. The industrial unit was pre-sold earlier this year to First Store.

The second phase is a 35,000 sq ft industrial unit and 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) of hybrid business space.

All the buildings at Crown Business Park are being built to BREEAM 'excellent' standards.

The project is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund through a grant of £3.14m. Once the development is completed, it will create more than 500 jobs.

Sir Howard Bernstein, vice chairman of the North West European Regional Development Fund Local Management Committee, said: "These offices boast an excellent location and cutting edge facilities. They have the qualities to attract both local and national businesses to the area which will see benefits for local people, businesses and the local economy as a whole."

Nolan Redshaw and Jones Lang LaSalle are joint letting agents for the development.