Business investment still building in Blackburn despite challenging times

New businesses have been given the green light by the Council to start building their firms on one of Blackburn’s prime development sites.

The developments on Carl Fogarty Way are expected to open up dozens of new jobs in the borough and bring more investment into the area. They are Arctic Glass and Inceptum2 Limited.

Blackburn firm Arctic Glass, which provides PVC and aluminium windows and doors, will be building a  showroom and factory on Carl Fogarty Way, and are expecting to create an extra 15 to 20 jobs.

They propose to secure planning approval by May 2021 and start construction in June 2021, with the unit being ready for occupation in 2022.

Arif Roker, Sales Director at Arctic Glass, said:

The construction of our new showroom allows us to offer our customers an unrivalled buying experience. Over the past few years, we have enjoyed sustained growth in both our retail and commercial sectors and by investing in the new ultra- modern flagship site we look forward to continuing this success. Additionally, we anticipate that this investment will also create 20 exciting new roles within our company.”

Inceptum2 Limited was established in 2012 to deliver commercial and residential development projects for people and businesses needing office accommodation.

Simon Lyons, Director at Inceptum2 Limited, commented:

We are very excited to have been selected to deliver the development opportunity at Plot 4 Carl Fogarty Way. The site presents a great opportunity to establish a small scale high quality light industrial development and a quality employment location within Blackburn. By creating a quality gateway to the town centre, excellently located just off Junction 6 of the M65, we will further enhance the quality infrastructure, public realm and commercial development which has already been delivered in the Furthergate area by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and other private sector investors.”

Inceptum2 propose to submit a planning application by January 2021 for 9,000 sq ft of light industrial space. The proposed construction start date is August 2021 with units being ready for occupation in 2022.

The new business area will link up with existing firms on the road and is near to the new Hilton Hotel at Whitebirk, all showcasing a new investment area and employment boost for the town.

The Council has approved the appointment of the preferred bidders for the businesses, entering into a building licence and subsequent agreement for sale of the land.

Carl Fogarty Way was completed in June 2019 and was opened with a special ceremony featuring the famous man himself performing spectacular motorbike stunts on the stretch of road.

Business investment was started immediately and these additions will add to the regeneration of the area which links the motorway network with Blackburn town centre, making it a prime location for firms coming into the area.

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:

This is fantastic news and shows that investors have great confidence in the borough, even in these challenging times. They recognise that we are a borough that is growing, encourages more investment and is welcoming to new businesses.

Investment like this means that quality jobs are also coming to Blackburn with Darwen, opening up new opportunities for people. It is great news and we are excited to welcome Arctic Glass and Inceptum2 to the site. This is a prime location for these businesses and will make Carl Fogarty Way a real business hub in the borough and an impressive gateway into the town.

This also links to our wider ambitions as part of the borough’s Local Plan which maps out the vision for the borough’s development, new homes and employment sites over the next 17 years.”