The first step in a major new development on the southern edge of Preston has been taken.
AdvertisementThe Cuerden site which is 65 hectares of land between the end of the M65 where it joins the A6 has long been earmarked for development.
Lancashire County Council owns the land after buying an additional 44 hectares from the Homes and Communities Agency in 2012.
More than 2,500 jobs could be created if the development goes ahead at Cuerden, as the masterplan for the site includes 2 million square foot of new commercial floor space.
New retail units and industry would be built with a direct connection to the M65 and the North West’s motorway network.
The boundary of the site runs from the A582 in the north, along the A5083 and stops at the quarry. It then comes up to the big bend where the M65 comes round to join the A6 at the roundabout with the Premier Inn.
The county council say the City Deal – a £464 million investment in Preston and South Ribble’s infrastructure – is the stimulus for moving the Cuerden area forward.
Jennifer Mein, leader of the county council, has approved development on the site and recommended it go forward to South Ribble Borough Council’s planning committee.
The masterplan for the site is expected to be considered at South Ribble’s planning committee on Thursday 6 November. It then goes to a six week consultation period.
A final masterplan would be considered and potentially adopted by February 2015.
What do you think about building in the Cuerden area? Let us know in the comments below