St Modwen announces Innovation Centre for Blackburn scheme

Developer St Modwen has announced it will develop a 35,000 sq ft Innovation Centre as part of the £7.5m first phase of its Evolution Park scheme in Blackburn, Lancashire. The building is aimed at “new and fledgling enterprises” within the medical, technology, science and knowledge-based sectors. The Innovation Centre, which will provide suites of between 225 sq ft and 2,000 sq ft, can house up to 79 businesses. In addition, St Modwen is constructing a 17,250 sq ft office building within Evolution Park’s first phase aimed at more established businesses requiring “grow-on” space. Both buildings will be ready for occupation in August 2008. The £25m park is situated close to junction 5 of the M65. Up to 250,000 sq ft of business space will be developed by St Modwen in a rolling programme. Anthony Glossop, chairman of St Modwen, said: “We like the East Lancashire area and think it has real potential. “We have had good success at our Junction 8 scheme in Accrington and hope this current scheme will be followed by many others.” Work has already commenced on the construction of the spine road which will service the 15-acre site, and on the first phase buildings. The scheme is being undertaken in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.david.quinn@rbi.co.uk