Planning secured for huge Preston industrial scheme

The green light has been given for an 800,000 sq ft strategic employment site in Preston, paving the way for the creation of 1,500 jobs.HBD and Barnfield Group will develop APTUS, which can accommodate 12 industrial and logistics units from 25,0000 to 500,000 sq ft, close to J31A of the M6 and Preston city centre.The scheme will provide high-specification, sustainable space with Net Zero Carbon capabilities.APTUS, adjacent to the existing Roman Way Industrial Estate, is a designated employment site within Preston City Council’s Local Plan.Since 2020, HBD and Barnfield worked closely with Preston City Council when pre-application discussions began. A range of technical experts and specialist consultants provided assessments covering flood risk, drainage, ecology, arboriculture, highways, acoustics, geology and geo-environmental considerations.APTUS is the joint venture partners’ second project in Preston following the successful circa £30m sale of EAST to Titan Investors in December 2022.Vivienne Clements, head of industrial and logistics at HBD, said: “It’s fantastic to have secured the go-ahead for APTUS – it will not only deliver high-specification space to support businesses’ growth plans but is a major investment into the area with more than a thousand new jobs. We are already in detailed negotiations with a major local employer and conversations are underway with several other interested businesses.”Extremely well-located and built to the highest specification, APTUS will be one of Lancashire’s premier industrial and logistics schemes.”Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition for Barnfield Group, said: “Planning approval for APTUS is another great boost and facilitator for economic growth in Preston. Strategically located on the M6 corridor, the scheme is a logistics and industrial hotspot with high quality units designed to suit future occupiers.”ATPUS provides the necessary flexibility to house multiple functions including warehousing and office space promoting integration for businesses. Together with our JV partners, Barnfield Group are pleased to now progress on APTUS, a development which will help to foster the creation of new firms and support existing business expansion in Central Lancashire.”Work will start on site in spring 2024.Gerald Eve, Young & Co, and Eckersley Property are the agents for APTUS.