OVER £1.5 million is being spent on transforming a derelict site in Leigh in to an industrial estate.

Land in Butts Street will be developed, creating 32,000 square feet of industrial floospace and more than 80 jobs.

Wigan Metropolitan Development Company is joining Leigh-based Acorn Building Services Ltd. to develop this major building scheme in three phases.

Phase one will see the construction of eight small industrial workshops and seven offices, together with a central reception area and meeting rooms.

These will provide accommodation for start-up businesses.

Phase two will see the development of larger units to be owned and rented out by Acorn Building Services.

These will provide accommodation between 3,000 square feet and 20,000 square feet in size.

Phase three will give local firms an opportunity to create a purpose-built factory.

The first two phases involve an investment of £1.5 million, supported by substantial grant aid from the European Regional Development Fund and Coalfield Challenge.

Chairman of Wigan's Economic Resources Committee, Cllr Fred Walker, said: "The new Acorn Court industrial development project is an excellent example of partnership working between a private company, our Development Company, Coalfield Challenge and the council.

"No single agency by itself could have secured this development. By working together we have been able to make an important project happen."

Tony Roberts of Acorn Building Services, added: "This project will create much needed jobs in Leigh.

"We are very pleased to be part of the partnership and delighted that our faith in this site has paid off."

The formal celebration of the partnership and the cutting of the first sod on site was done by Wigan Council Leader Cllr Peter Smith, Chairman of Coalfield Challenge (above) with Acorn staff.

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