Landmark Development Projects has submitted a planning application for a multi-million pound mixed used development on Burnham Avenue in Bradford.  The local developer is proposing to build both residential and business accommodation on the former council housing site has been vacant for some time following the demolition of the previous housing stock.

In an agreement with the Local Authority, Landmark Development Projects has agreed to purchase the five acre site to provide a combination of six new business units ranging from 1,500 sq ft up to 12,000 sq ft. Creating a total of 23,500 sq ft of space the proposed scheme would be ideal for local start up businesses as well as businesses looking to re-locate from older unsuitable premises to modern accommodation. 

The development plans also propose to provide 50 new two and three bedroom family homes.  The residential element of the development helps to sustain land value in the current market and subsequently provides support funding to deliver the business element.  Richard Morton, Director at Landmark Development Projects comments: “Prior to the submission we undertook a lengthy consultation exercise with Bradford Metropolitan District Council in order that all parties not only understood the opportunity at this location, but also the problems to development (which included contaminated land and the need to divert and improve an existing footpath) facing the developer.  A mixed use development was agreed to be essential and Landmark has agreed to provide the employment accommodation before the residential element can be occupied.

“We believe that it is important to introduce a business trading element to this scheme that could employ up to 60 people when completed.  This new scheme will reverse the trend of business being moved into large soulless industrial estates remote from where people live and thus generating further congestion on the roads and instead place modern work units close to the labour force that will service them.  We also believe that the provision of employment space should be secured by a legal agreement to ensure that the stated aims of the mixed use development become reality.”

Landmark Development Projects has recently completed a comparable development in Wilsden which employed a similar strategy for mixed uses.  All of the business premises were sold before the scheme completed which proves that there is a real demand for this kind of high quality local business accommodation.   Simon Woodhurst, Development Manager with Bradford Council’s Department of Regeneration comments: “Landmark Developments has a proven track record of providing much needed quality business accommodation in the right locations and with development schemes like this complementing other Council backed Enterprise Development initiatives we hope to establish the best environment in Bradford that will encourage the creation, consolidation and growth of a range new and small businesses”

As well as its consultations with the Local Authority, Landmark has already undertaken an extensive consultation exercise with adjoining owners to the site, whose comments have been reflected within the final layout together with comments from Local Councillors.  Councillor John Rudding comments: “'I am certain that the local community will welcome this exciting new development that represents the final piece of land in the jigsaw of the regeneration of Bierley by providing affordable homes and employment opportunities for local people.”

If planning is granted, Landmark Development will begin speculative development at the early in 2009 with completion anticipated for autumn 2009. 

The business premises are available to let or purchase and all interested parties should contact Hayfield Robinson on 01274 744 999 or GVA Grimley on 08449 02 03 04.