WORK has begun on the second phase of a flagship multi-million pound business park.

The site between Greenbank Terrace and Milking Lane in Lower Darwen, just off M65 junction 4, had been vacant and an eyesore for several years.

It is now being developed as Millbank Business Park and dozens of new homes.

This week Barnfield Blackburn Limited, the joint venture company between Barnfield Developments and Blackburn with Darwen Council, have started building the second phase of the commercial element of the scheme.

The land was formerly occupied by the Lower Darwen Paper Mill and was acquired by the partnership in 2019.

Phase two of the business park will deliver six units totalling 35,000 square ft.
Just one is still available for let or sale, with the other five under offer.

Planning permission has been granted for a further 13,500 sq ft on plot three of the site and the partnership is awaiting planning permission for a further 35,000 sq ft on plot four.

Minister for levelling up Neil O’Brien said: “I’m delighted to see work moving into the second phase of development for Millbank Business Park.

"Backed by £1.4 million from our Local Growth Fund, the business park will offer new high quality commercial spaces, drawing investment into the area and allowing businesses to grow and thrive."

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council's regeneration boss, said: “It’s fantastic to see that our first joint venture development with Barnfield is performing so well.

“The new link road is already well used and this next phase will transform the site with the development of quality, new commercial space that will help support business growth and create new jobs."

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development at the Barnfield Group, said: “To have 80 per cent of the commercial plots under offer at this stage is phenomenal.

"We are looking forward to building out the units for the end users and are actively seeking more sites to develop across the North-West.”

Main contractor Barnfield Construction Ltd, the construction arm of the Brierfield-based Barnfield Group, is to spearhead the building works.

Phase one saw the building of four commercial units which are all set to be occupied.

Cheshire-based Elan Homes has full planning permission to build 76 properties on the residential element of the site.

The site, in a prominent location for commercial and residential development, is the first of several acquired by the joint venture company.