ROSSENDALE property developers Hurstwood Group has set up a new business to tackle large regeneration schemes.

Hurstwood already has about 15 firms within its group, including its largest, Hurstwood Construction, which deals with projects for clients including local authorities, education and health groups.

Now the group has joined forces with Bolton- based Landbank Capital plc to create Hurstwood Landbank Limited.

The aim is to develop larger brownfield sites, and its first venture has been announced - a £13million site in Sandbach, Cheshire - to be converted into 30 acres of leisure, residential and commercial facilities.

Stephen J Ashworth, chairman of Hurstwood Group, said: "This collaboration makes perfect sense for all the partners involved. Together our companies have huge resource, experience and value that can rival any of our competitors nationwide."