ONE of Burnley’s best-known business parks is being brought back to life – almost two years after it closed.
Accrington Road’s Vulcan Works estate, formerly home to Brian Rourke and Co ironworks, has been sold off in four chunks by property developer Prospect Estates.
Work is ongoing to re-connect the Rosegrove site’s electricity supply and new firms are expected to be up-and-running later this year.
Among the businesses confirmed to be moving in are Service Alliance Ltd and Shaun Kendal Joinery.
Maintenance firm Service Alliance is currently based at Holker Business Centre in Burnley Road, Colne, while Shaun Kendal Joinery operates from Astley House in Albert Street, Burnley.
Prospect Estates said two other unnamed companies were also looking to move onto the 6,915 square metre complex, including one ‘significant name’.
Tim Whittaker, director of new business at the Leeds-based developer, said: “The site will enjoy a significant new lease of life, bringing new jobs to Burnley.
“This represents a fantastic time for Burnley as the new firms will be able to bring new jobs to the area and bring back to life a previously disused factory.”
Founded in 1961, Brian Rourke and Co employed more than 100 people at its peak but went into administration in July 2013 with the loss of 37 jobs.
Vulcan Works, formerly home to Willie Holt’s Burnley Billiard Works, was purchased by Prospect Estates from administrators BDO LLP last June.
A spokesman for Electricity North West, said: “We have replaced four-way lights with temporary traffic lights on Accrington Road in Burnley in order for our engineers to connect a new power supply to two businesses.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and assure residents and motorists that we are working with the council to complete the work as soon as possible.”
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