Public has its say on 1,500 jobs Wigan business park plan

Glenbrook has launched a consultation for the 40-acre site, Meridian 6 Wigan, which will act as an extension to the South Lancs Industrial Estate in Ashton.

The developer said the park, which would have access via Bolton Road, would create up to 1,500 jobs. This would include 500 to 600 jobs and apprenticeships during construction, following an initial investment of £70m.

Consisting of up to 625,000ft sq of new industrial space, they said it will “meet the significant regional demand from small to medium-sized businesses.”

The land has been allocated for employment use since 2006.

As part of the consultation, a residents’ notice has been posted to more than 650 addresses in the area. It provides outline details of the proposals and directs residents to the public consultation website.

Dan Symonds, development manager at Glenbrook, said the scheme will help the area prosper.

He said: “We are bringing this scheme forward at a time when the need to support business and the economy through the creation and retention of jobs in the borough is extremely pressing.

“Already allocated for employment use in Wigan Council’s unitary development plan, Meridian 6 Wigan will build on the success of the well-established South Lancashire Industrial Estate and attract more investment and employment opportunities to the area as well as delivering much needed commercial space for local businesses looking to grow.

“Based in the North West, Glenbrook is a well-respected developer and we are working closely with Wigan Council to ensure our plans meet the high development standards required.

“The consultation will run for a three-week period and, due to the pandemic, during this time we are offering a wide variety of ways for people to participate and ensure their views and ideas are heard.”

The design team includes AEW Architects, Gerald Eve as planning consultant and civil and structural engineers, SGI.

However, some residents have rallied against the plans, arguing that they will infringe on green belt land.

Resident Danny Fletcher formed the Keep Ashton Green (KAG) group after first learning of a proposed expansion of the estate.

He said that a link road is expected to be developed within green belt.

Mr Fletcher, Ashton Labour candidate in the May local elections, said the group will fight any proposals that involve taking the area’s green belt.

He said: “We cannot allow these developers to take more of our local green belt and green space, only to be replaced by more and more warehouses.

“The KAG group will fight any proposal that suggests taking an inch more of our already dwindling green belt.”

He said that Ashton was already surrounded by warehouse development, Florida Farm in Haydock and the proposed Junction 25 development in Winstanley.

Similar proposals to expand Three Sisters in 2006/2007 failed due to concerns over traffic and extreme congestion, he said:

He added: “The only thing that has change over 14 years is Ashton has become busier.

“We have previous campaigners from Makerfield Against Development (MAD) helping in this expected fight.

“We have assembled a truly fantastic team of Ashton locals with legal and planning experience, and have resources to mount a justified challengGlenbrook has launched a consultation for the 40-acre site, Meridian 6 Wigan, which will act as an extension to the South Lancs Industrial Estate in Ashton.

The developer said the park, which would have access via Bolton Road, would create up to 1,500 jobs. This would include 500 to 600 jobs and apprenticeships during construction, following an initial investment of £70m.

Consisting of up to 625,000ft sq of new industrial space, they said it will “meet the significant regional demand from small to medium-sized businesses.”

The land has been allocated for employment use since 2006.

As part of the consultation, a residents’ notice has been posted to more than 650 addresses in the area. It provides outline details of the proposals and directs residents to the public consultation website.

Dan Symonds, development manager at Glenbrook, said the scheme will help the area prosper.

He said: “We are bringing this scheme forward at a time when the need to support business and the economy through the creation and retention of jobs in the borough is extremely pressing.

“Already allocated for employment use in Wigan Council’s unitary development plan, Meridian 6 Wigan will build on the success of the well-established South Lancashire Industrial Estate and attract more investment and employment opportunities to the area as well as delivering much needed commercial space for local businesses looking to grow.

“Based in the North West, Glenbrook is a well-respected developer and we are working closely with Wigan Council to ensure our plans meet the high development standards required.

“The consultation will run for a three-week period and, due to the pandemic, during this time we are offering a wide variety of ways for people to participate and ensure their views and ideas are heard.”

The design team includes AEW Architects, Gerald Eve as planning consultant and civil and structural engineers, SGI.

However, some residents have rallied against the plans, arguing that they will infringe on green belt land.

Resident Danny Fletcher formed the Keep Ashton Green (KAG) group after first learning of a proposed expansion of the estate.

He said that a link road is expected to be developed within green belt.

Mr Fletcher, Ashton Labour candidate in the May local elections, said the group will fight any proposals that involve taking the area’s green belt.

He said: “We cannot allow these developers to take more of our local green belt and green space, only to be replaced by more and more warehouses.

“The KAG group will fight any proposal that suggests taking an inch more of our already dwindling green belt.”

He said that Ashton was already surrounded by warehouse development, Florida Farm in Haydock and the proposed Junction 25 development in Winstanley.

Similar proposals to expand Three Sisters in 2006/2007 failed due to concerns over traffic and extreme congestion, he said:

He added: “The only thing that has change over 14 years is Ashton has become busier.

“We have previous campaigners from Makerfield Against Development (MAD) helping in this expected fight.

“We have assembled a truly fantastic team of Ashton locals with legal and planning experience, and have resources to mount a justified challenge.”

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