Plans submitted for 800,000 ft2 plus Preston industrial and logistics scheme
Developer Monte Blackburn has submitted a hybrid planning application for the development of an 800,000 ft2 plus industrial and logistics scheme on a 65-acre site at Preston East near Junction 31a of the M6 motorway.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
THE SCHEME, which was tipped by Logistics Matters in March this year following the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment to Preston Council, includes outline planning for up to 818,875 ft2 of high-quality industrial and logistics accommodation and ancillary uses together with a detailed application for the site infrastructure works.
The submission comes after Monte Blackburn exchanged contracts to acquire the 65-acre site – which will be named Frontier Park, Preston – from Homes England.
A decision on planning is expected in the second quarter of 2026, following which Monte Blackburn will then commence infrastructure works and speculative development, which will see high-quality, industrial and logistics accommodation ranging from 70,000 ft2 up to 625,000 ft2.
In addition, an EG On the Move drive-through is planned to open at the entrance to the site providing amenities.
Monte Blackburn is the development company owned by the British born billionaire Issa Brothers who founded Euro Garages (later renamed EG Group) in 2001. Monte Balckburn was set up in 2016 and has carried out a number of industrial and logistics scheme in the northwest including Frontier Park Burnley and Frontier Park Blackburn which was sold for £115 million earlier this year to Clarion Partners.
Monte Blackburn Development Projects Director Alex Kenwright said: “We have built up a strong track record in the region having completed successful schemes at Frontier Park Blackburn and, more recently, in Burnley. Our commitment to undertake speculative development underlines our belief in the site and will provide certainty to potential occupiers who are considering site options for either relocation or expansion.”
B8RE director Steve Johnson, advising Monte Blackburn said: “Situated minutes from the M6, Frontier Park Preston will come forward at a time when there are only a limited number of sites across the North West which can accommodate units over 600,000 sq. ft. We anticipate strong demand from local and regional occupiers in the Lancashire area who are looking for more modern, sustainable space.”
B8RE has been retained as letting agent for Frontier Park Preston. The site was purchased for an undisclosed sum. Thomas Lister represented Homes England.
