A site of international significance, Samlesbury Enterprise Zone will enable transformational economic growth for the whole of Lancashire. 

Designed to support advanced manufacturing and engineering, hi-tech and research-led sectors, including cyber, robotics and future flight, the 120-acre site is primed to become a hub of world-class innovation, Industry 4.0 processes, and disruptive R&D. 

The site sits strategically at the heart of Lancashire, and will act as an anchor development for several other emerging economic opportunities. These include the Preston Station Quarter, Blackburn’s Business Innovation District, and the wider M65 East Lancashire Corridor. 

Home to BAE Systems and AMRC North West 

The site is adjacent to BAE Systems’ aircraft engineering campus, creating an excellent opportunity for potential aerospace and future flight supply chain businesses. BAE Systems’ Samlesbury facility also includes its Academy for Skills and Knowledge and a skills and training hub which produces over 170 apprentices and graduates each year. 

Another Samlesbury Enterprise Zone occupier is the £25m Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West. The AMRC North West provides innovation support to Lancashire’s advanced manufacturing businesses, giving them access to advanced technologies which help drive improvements in productivity, performance and quality. 

Connect with the North West Cyber Corridor 

In October 2021, the Government announced that the National Cyber Force (NCF) HQ would be sited in the Samlesbury area. As a result, it is anticipated that Samlesbury Enterprise Zone will become home to a major cyber cluster, connecting with the existing cyber strengths of Manchester’s GCHQ operations, Lancaster University’s world-class cyber R&D, and UCLan’s applied cyber expertise, via a new North West Cyber Corridor. 

A New Innovation Cluster 

Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership are exploring opportunities to create a cross-sector Innovation Centre based at the Enterprise Zone site. An initial feasibility study has been undertaken with further options appraisals taking place during 2023. Supported by the presence of BAE Systems, AMRC North West, and the NCF, and with a focus on SMEs, this could act as a driver for Lancashire’s overarching R&D ecosystem and innovation economy. 

A Developer-Ready Site 

Extensive enabling works and infrastructure investment has resulted in utility provision across the Enterprise Zone site, meaning it is ready for build-out and occupation. Four properties (circa 500,000 sq ft) have already been constructed and are fully operational. 

The next proposed stage is the development of site-specific ancillary facilities alongside starter units (2,000 – 5,000 sq ft). With a potential target completion date of 2024, initial design work has been undertaken for the ancillary facilities, and delivery mechanisms are being explored. 

Site details

Size of site: 120 acres (66 acres development ready) 

Location: Sir Frederick Page Way, BB2 7FT 

Connectivity: A purpose-built spine road connects the site to the A59 to the north and the A677 to the south. 

Easy access by car to Junction 31 of the M6 (7 minutes), Preston (20 minutes), Blackburn (15 minutes) and Lancashire Central (15 minutes). 

The site is also accessible by bus from Preston, Blackburn and Burnley. 

Scheme value: £300m+ 

Planning status: Site-wide Local Development Order in place with simplified 28-day planning decision process. 

Promoter: Lancashire County Council. Colliers International – Commercial Property Agent.