Site near M65 would include convenience store ‘bringing footfall to support the other smaller retail units’
Blackburn billionaire Zuber Issa’s EG on the Move company is looking to develop a new shopping complex on grassland off the town’s Haslingden Road.
The firm has identified the 1.3 acre site near the M65 for the scheme. The new retail building is close to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with its staff identified as key potential customers.
EG on The Move has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for planning permission for a ‘commercial development of a new 11,000 square foot retail building incorporating a 4,500sqft food retail convenience store and five smaller speculative retail units including the formation of a new access from Haslingden road, customer parking, and delivery area’.
A supporting statement says: “The site is strategically positioned on Haslingden Road (A6077), Blackburn – approximately half a mile from Junction 5 of the M65 motorway.
“To the north is the Royal Blackburn Teaching hospital. To the east is the existing Shadsworth Industrial estate.
“The site consists of a vacant greenfield, infill plot of land.
“The proposal submitted for a small-scale retail development supported by the surrounding residential areas and proximity to the hospital and wider industrial areas.
“The intention is to create a small, primarily food, retail convenience store as an anchor to the site bringing footfall from the residential areas and hospital to support the other smaller retail units.
“The small retail units would be ideal for smaller start-up businesses from the local area.
“The building is set back from Haslingden Road and positioned centrally within the site. This allows for the creation of a new vehicular access and the formation of a car park for visitors.
“The development will also create a new three-metre-wide footpath and cycleway along the Western edge connecting Whinney Heights to the proposed development and Haslingden Road. This will be a huge benefit to the local community.
“The development will initially be constructed speculatively to a shell standard. Internal layouts and fitout will be dictated by the specific tenant.
“Office, storage and staff facilities will be positioned at the rear of the unit with display and retail function at the front making use the glazed front elevation.
“Careful consideration was given to the Whinney Heights residential area and neighbouring Queens Lodge nursing home.
“Landscaping treatments and acoustic boundaries will mitigate the impact on the neighbours.
“The building has been designed to create a contemporary and inviting retail aesthetic.
“The primary elevation is mostly glazed creating shop front displays and familiar retail access.
“It is proposed that a new priority right turn lane will be created on Haslingden Road alongside the formation of a new vehicular access point – 50 car parking spaces are to be provided.
“The intended retail function will provide positive amenities for local residents, commuters, employees in the surrounding employment areas and the Royal Blackburn Hospital.”
Last week, EG On The Move acquired independent petrol forecourt operator MPK Garages.
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