Ikea announce plans to build new store in Lancashire which could create 4,500 jobs
Ikea has announced plans to build a new store in Lancashire which would create four thousand five hundred new jobs.
Ikea has announced plans to build a new store in Lancashire which would create four thousand five hundred new jobs.
The furniture giant want to build what will be one of their largest stores in the UK at Cuerden near the M65 in South Ribble.
Lancashire would be the home of the biggest Ikea store in the North West and Lancashire County Council are hoping it will attract other retail giants to the area.
As well as creating thousands of new jobs, planners want to create a huge complex around the Ikea superstore with new hotels, bars, restaurants and around 200 new homes.
With the nearest store being a 100 mile round trip from Preston to Warrington, planners are hoping people from all over the country would visit the new superstore in Cuerden.
The development is one of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal's major projects and has the potential to generate significant economic and employment benefits for the area, including:
• Creation of more than 4,500 new jobs at the site. • 80,000 sq m of new industrial space, comprising of a range of separate units with ancillary offices. • A further circa 26,000 sq m of new office and business space, including a range of individual units. • Enabling retail development, including a new IKEA and up to five large format units for national retailers. • Mixed use development to include a 120-bedroom hotel with leisure/gym facilities, car showrooms, family pub and restaurants. • Up to 210 new homes. • Green infrastructure and landscaping for people walking, living on and visiting the site. • Significant highways improvements on the local road network, along with new public transport provision. • New pedestrian, cycling and jogging paths throughout the site, linking to other places such as Cuerden Valley Park.
Speaking about the project, Jennifer Mein, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a development that will bring economic and employment benefits for the whole of the county. Situated at the start of the M65 and minutes from the M6 and the M61, the site could not be better placed.
"This development is a key part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal and shows just how it will bring jobs and prosperity to the area. I'd urge local people to have their say on this ambitious project through the public consultation."
Councillor Peter Mullineaux, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: "This could be a very exciting development, which has the potential to bring significant economic opportunities to South Ribble. Cuerden fits very well with our drive to provide the conditions for businesses to thrive, offering the space for existing businesses to grow as well as being an attractive offer for new ventures. The new walking routes, cycle paths and parks will improve access to green space for residents, employees and visitors. This is a great example of how the City Deal is creating a better South Ribble for everyone. I would urge our residents to engage in the consultation process and offer their views on the development."
Councillor Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “We would welcome the multi-million pounds worth of investment in new businesses and thousands of new jobs. This would create much needed job opportunities for the people of Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire. The interest shown by an iconic and global company like IKEA is a real sign that the City Deal is working and we are an attractive place for investment.
“There may be some concerns about the impact of retail provision on Preston City Centre and we will ensure, through the planning process, that this will be carefully considered and all the evidence thoroughly reviewed. There is major investment flowing into Preston City Centre with the Markets Quarter, Guild Hall, the Bus Station and the Harris - so we will need to ensure that any development at Cuerden complements Preston City Centre as a place to live, work, visit and shop.”
Public exhibition events are being held next week, as follows:
• Thursday 17 November – South Ribble Borough Council offices, Banqueting Suite, Leyland – 2pm-8pm • Friday 18 November– St Catherine’s Hospice, Garden Room, Cuerden – 2pm-8pm • Saturday 19 November – The Harris, Rotunda Area, Preston – 10am-4pm
Further information will be available from Thursday 17 November on the consultation website www.thisiscuerden.co.uk