Technology park plans drawn up for Barrow-in-Furness

Holker Group has announced plans to develop a 14.3-acre technology park near Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

The commercial property arm of the 17,000-acre estate, which is owned by the Cavendish family, has submitted a planning application to Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council to convert the land, which sits adjacent the Sowerby Woods Business Park, into industrial use.

The land 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, each of 3,000 sq ft, and two 6,000 sq ft units, with associated vehicle and bicycle provision and servicing, in 2.289-acres of the north west corner.

Further phases would see a further four units ranging from 3,358 sq ft to 45,000 sq ft, built. The scheme would also include extensive landscaping with native trees and shrubs, which would provide valuable habitats for wildlife on land that is considered poor quality for agricultural use.

Allen Gibb, chief executive of the Holker Group, said Barrow-in-Furnace is at the heart of the UK defence industry, with the new Dreadnought class submarine programme based at the Barrow shipyard, which has fuelled demand for complementary technology companies to look to the area to set up business.

 “This is a superb opportunity to attract more quality businesses and jobs to Barrow,” he said. “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 looking at options for the delivery of the site and would be happy to talk to potential occupiers and investors and partners.

The technology park will sit close to the A590, which is the main trunk road from the M6 into Barrow-in-Furness town centre, which is less than ten minutes’ away.

Holker Group was advised on the development by Pentle Land and Property, Kate Bellwood Planning, Unum partnership, Alan Davies (Highways), MPG Consulting, PDP Cumbria, and Envirotech.