West Lancs’ development arm branches out into industrial 

Not satisfied with just housing schemes, Tawd Valley Developments is now operating with an expanded remit, lodging plans for a 100,000 sq ft logistics scheme in Skelmersdale. 

Wholly owned by West Lancashire Council, Tawd Valley wants to build 45 industrial units at White Moss Business Park, a project boasting a gross development value of £12.5m. 

“Our remit is to boost the economic and social wellbeing of the borough through development, so improving its ability to retain and attract quality employers is a natural extension of our work,” said TVD managing director Mark Kitts. 

“It has the added benefit of delivering recurring rates payments that the local authority can invest in much-needed services.” 

The development, to be known as J4 due to its proximity to Junction 4 of the M58, has been designed by John McCall Architects and ARP Engineering.   

Zerum is advising Tawd Valley on planning matters. 

Kitts said that the development would fill a void in the borough’s industrial market. 

“The market’s focus in the last few years has been on big box shed developments, neglecting the trade counter and small industrial market which is a mainstay of much of the employment in West Lancs.   

“We’re confident that demand levels for space in the sort of high-quality environment we can offer at J4 will ensure the scheme’s success.”  

The move into commercial development has impacted TVD’s housing ambitions. The company has announced a trio of new schemes that will deliver 80 homes in Egerton, Digmoor, and Maryvale.  

The £6.5m Maryvale scheme includes a mix of market sale and shared ownership homes, while the £8m Digmoor scheme will be delivered in two phases and will see the demolition of six 1960s blocks of flats, to be replaced by two further blocks of 20 apartments and 13 new semi-detached houses.  

The £1.3m Egerton project would provide six semi-detached homes. 

“Our drive to improve the housing stock in Skelmersdale continues apace,” Kitts said.  

“We need up-to-date homes that are suited to residents’ differing needs, whilst also offering best-in-class sustainability. We’re on a journey in this regard, and with each scheme we are able to adopt new, proven technologies that take us forward another step or two.”