Fylde coast shoppers to get closer Ikea store

Ambitious plans for a new retail park, housing and the flagship furniture store have been unveiled for the retail area off the motorways at Bamber Bridge.

The plan comes from Preston-based developers the Eric Wright Group, the Brookhouse Group and Lancashire County Council.

Council leader Jennifer Mein said: “Situated at the start of the M65 and minutes from the M6 and the M61, the site could not be better placed.

“This development is a key part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal and shows just how it will bring jobs and prosperity to the area.

The plans also include:

n 80,000 sq m of new industrial space, comprising of a range of separate units with ancillary offices;

n A further 26,000 sq m of office and business space;

n Retail development, including a new Ikea and up to five large format units for national retailers;

n Mixed use development to include a 120-bedroom hotel with leisure/gym facilities, car showrooms, family pub and restaurants;

n Up to 210 new homes;

Jeremy Hartley, from Eric Wright Group, said: “Cuerden has long been seen as one of the best development opportunity sites in the North West, and as a local company we are delighted to be working alongside the county 
council.”