Economic development zone

The Council and its partners across East Lancashire submitted a bid to the European Commission and put forward the argument that the regional economy would benefit through the creation of an employment zone within the sub-region within which significant investment (over £40 million) would be made over 7 years by the public and private sector.  This would help to boost the business base of the area, improve the physical qualities and ensure that that the employment generated would benefit local disadvantaged communities. The area identified covers approx 27 hectares of land covering the Industrial Estates & Business Parks of Furthergate, Greenbank, Whitebirk and land in the adjoining Hyndburn area.

This bid was successful and £7 million of European funding has been secured towards the regeneration of the area.

The objectives of the Zone are:-

1.  To remove the social and physical barriers to residents accessing employment opportunities.


2.  To project a positive image of the area, create an attractive environment in which to work and restore the environmental deficit.

3.  To promote sustainable development and encourage all companies to make the most of available resources.

4.  To support the growth of new knowledge-based businesses within emerging sectors.

5.  To support the growth of high technology manufacturing industries and high value added products and services within the region's established sectors.