Former golf club marked out by M&S
Marks & Spencer are in detailed discussions to set up a distribution centre on the ProLogis Park at Rooley Lane. If it goes ahead, 2,500 jobs will be created.
The site at West Bowling Golf Club - earmarked as premier employment land - could become fully operational as a bespoke retail distribution centre by 2010 if early planning consent is granted. A Training Academy would also be created there to provide high quality training for all staff working at the site.
A planning application looks set to go before Bradford Council in October. A 35-year lease is part of the plans, which also has 145 residential units on the eastern part of the site.
The announcement, made today by ProLogis and Marks & Spencer, has been welcomed by Bradford Property Forum as demonstrating another step forward in the district's regeneration. Vice-chairman of the Forum, Michael Osborne or Arup Consultancy, said: “The announcement shows that Bradford really is bouncing back. It makes such sense to utilise this prime employment site for this purpose. The jobs, investment and other spin-off opportunities that will be created, not just in West Bowling but throughout Bradford, are welcomed by Bradford Property Forum. It’s another clear indicator that Bradford is on the up once again.”
The Prologis Park will also include a range of 'Advanced Business and Enterprise Units', suitable for small to medium sized businesses, local occupiers and national companies. The Vice-President of Prologis, Matthew Byrom, said: "This 35-year deal is a one-off opportunity to bring significant investment and a large number of high quality jobs and employment opportunities to the local community."
M&S Logistics Director Simon Ratcliffe added: "We look forward to hearing the council's thoughts on the proposals. We want to play our part in the regeneration of this fantastic city through a long-term commitment to this site, which will create significant employment and lead the industry in terms of its environmental credentials."
A dedicated website carrying more details on the scheme can be visited here.