Holker Group has announced plans to covert land near Sowerby Woods Business Park into a 14.3-acre technology park near Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Once planning has been approved by Barrow-in-Furness Borough council, the 17,000-acre estate, owned by the Cavendish family, will be converted into a technology park.
The land sits adjacent the Sowerby Woods Business Park and has already been identified and allocated in the Local Plan for industrial development, suitable for E(g), B2 and B8 uses.
Holker Group would complete a phase one development of six high quality units, four consisting of 3,000 sq ft, and two of 6,000 sq ft units n 2.289-acres of the north west corner. The technology park would have associated vehicle and bicycle provision and servicing.
Later phases would see a further four units built, ranging from 3,358 sq ft to 45,000 sq ft. There would also be extensive landscaping with native trees and shrubs. This provide valuable habitats for wildlife on land that is considered poor quality for agricultural use.
‘This is a superb opportunity to attract more quality businesses and jobs to Barrow’
Allen Gibb, chief executive of the Holker Group, explained how Barrow-in-Furnace is at the heart of the UK defence industry. For example, the new Dreadnought class submarine programme is based at the Barrow shipyard. In turn, this has fuelled demand for complementary technology companies to look to the area to set up business.
Gibb made the following comments:
“This is a superb opportunity to attract more quality businesses and jobs to Barrow. The site is poor-quality agricultural land and has long been allocated as a site for industrial development. With economic prospects for the area looking positive, now is a great time to look at putting the plans for the technology park into place.
“This proposed new-build business park in Barrow is testament to Holker Group’s long-term investment in the South Lakes. We hope that the park will not only attract businesses looking for new premises in the area, but also those looking to move here to take advantage of the highly skilled workforce.”
Mr Gibb said Holker Group was still looking at options for the delivery of the site and would be interested in corresponding with potential occupiers, investors and partners.
