WORK is due to start on a giant multi-million pound industrial site alongside the East Lancashire Road.

Layout work on the the 90 acre estate is due to begin in September - a major move in readying the Stone Cross development between Golborne and Lowton.

Maple Grove Developments has announced a start date for infrastructure work on the strategic distribution and manufacturing site just two miles from the M6 motorway.

Over £2m is being spent on opening up the site from the A580 East Lancashire Road and the work is expected to be completed by next Spring.

Andrew Dewhurst, Maple Grove's surveyor, explained:"Stone Cross has long been considered a prime location for distribution and manufacturing operators.

"The difficulty has been bringing the site forward for development. Now the site is in Maple Grove's control we will forge ahead with key works and bring Stone Cross to the market.

"It will be an exciting time and we're convinced our confidence and investment in Stone Cross will be rewarded.

"Stone Cross will make a major impact on the North West distribution centre and I feel it would be well worth the wait."

Planning consent now exists for up to 800,000 square feet of office and industrial accommodation and for a hotel/restaurant close to the entrance alongside the A580.

The Journal understands a number of interested companies are already in touch with MGD's agents - Manchester based DTZ Debenham Thorpe.

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