Work starts on Carnforth business park

Barnfield Construction has started building work on the first phase of a new business park in Carnforth in Lancashire after being appointed main contractors by Strong Developments.

The 22-acre site on Kellet Road fronts onto the M6 motorway by Junction 35 and was earmarked for development for a number of years.

Planning permission was confirmed by Lancaster City Council in July for a phased development of the site.

The first phase covers 10 acres and will provide around 150,000 sq ft, which will be occupied by four unnamed new businesses, with the prospect of a fifth in the near future.

The largest occupier will be Havwoods Floorings which will occupy a new distribution warehouse and office facility when it relocates from Preston next year.

Simon Whiley, from Havwoods, said: "We have been looking to relocate to the Carnforth area for the last 5 years. This site is ideally situated close the main motorway network and provides the ideal opportunity for our business to expand and improves accessibility to our suppliers and customers."

Barnfield Construction has already commenced ground works on the site, with earth moving equipment having started on site at the end of July.

It is anticipated that construction of the main buildings on the first phase will commence in the spring, after all the main infrastructure works are completed and that Havwoods will be the first company taking occupation in late August 2012.

Three other buildings were also commissioned from businesses that are relocating from the Lancaster and Carnforth area.

The second phase of the project is being masterplanned by JMP Architects from Lancaster and is expected to provide 140,000 sq ft.

Preston-based property consultants Eckersley advised Strong Developments during the acquisition and development process.