Enterprise Zone plans reach new junction

Work has been completed on a new junction that will open up commercial development opportunities on the Lancashire Enterprise Zone site in Samlesbury.

A new traffic light-controlled junction has been created off the A677 Preston New Road, a short distance from Samlesbury Hall.

The work was carried out by Lancashire County Council's highways team.

Construction is continuing on the access road through the Enterprise Zone site, which will connect to the A59, on the north side of the site.

Located on surplus land previously part of the BAE Systems sites at Samlesbury and Warton, the Lancashire Enterprise Zone is designed to attract high-tech Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering companies, as part of the
Lancashire Enterprise Partnership's (LEP) commitment to create jobs and growth in the county.

As one of the LEP's priorities, the aim is to create a centre of excellence for high-tech manufacturing, generating wealth-creating benefits for the whole county.

Up to 6,000 highly skilled jobs will be created directly across both sites plus a further 5,000 to 7,000 in the local supply chain.

Jennifer Mein, leader of the county council and member of the LEP board said: "Lancashire has the single largest concentration of aerospace activity in the UK, employing 28,000 people in 120 businesses. The Enterprise Zone is a key component in further developing the potential of this sector.

"We've already got world-class expertise and we want to enhance and encourage the sector even further in the future, which will bring jobs and economic growth to the county.

"I'm delighted that the county council has been able to fund and build the road, as it is a major step in unlocking this site's potential. The Enterprise Zone is being actively marketed by Collliers International and the improved transport links this provides make it an even stronger proposition."

Tim Flesher, BAE Systems Enterprise Zone manager, said: "Lancashire County Council’s construction of the new junction and access road is a major step forward in opening up the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone. It will enable development and occupation by companies and organisations in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors. The work on the road builds on activity completed earlier this year by BAE Systems and Lancashire County Council to segregate the Enterprise Zone from the company’s site."

For more information visit www.lancashirelep.co.uk or follow them on twitter @LancsLEP.

Picture shows:  shows Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, with Tim Flesher, BAE Systems Enterprise Zone manager.