The Opportunities & Availability
The Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone is located on the site of the former ICI manufacturing plant at Thornton on the Wyre Coast and is a world-leading chemical and polymer location.
Building on the history of innovation in the field of plastic and polymers, the site has seen the knowledge base of the existing workforce used to grow new enterprises to further develop a thriving sector which is now home to over 40 businesses
Lancashire is also host to The Collaborative Technology Access Programme providing businesses access to facilities and expertise located in the Chemistry Department at Lancaster University.
There are areas of land within the Enterprise Zone available for re-development, including areas within the secure part of the site, and opportunities for both land sales and design-and-build.
A detailed masterplan has been developed and was adopted in November 2018. It will represent indicative plot layouts and capacity, with buildings being offered by way of freehold or leasehold interest. Terms and deliverability can be tailored to suit occupational requirements.
A World Class Chemical
& Polymer Location
The wider Hillhouse area is also the subject of significant investment including Global Renewables Waste Transfer and Recycling Centre, Victrex invested £130m in new production facilities and have opened their £18M R&D polymer innovation centre. This R&D facility will be the catalyst for new production activity at the site which, in turn, will stimulate significant new investment and employment as well as new supply chain development opportunities. Similarly, ACG Chemicals Europe Ltd has invested £3M in a thermal oxidiser as part of their expansion plans.
Despite its industrial heritage the area is renowned for the quality of its environment. The Wyre Estuary has some of the highest levels of ecological and environmental protections possible all of which are accessible to the public via an extensive footpath system including the “Wyre Way” coastal path.
Blackpool and the wider Fylde Coast has a population of 326,000 people with a working age population of 195,500. There are also a further 10 million people within a two hour drive time. It is estimated that the Wyre Coast generates over £5.322bn of GVA and with strong links to academia, support schemes for employers to create a work-ready employee base giving the area a string competitive advantage.
The secure part of the site, managed by NPL Group, offers facilities for the chemical sector, as well as full facilities management, which is also available in some non-secured areas. Hillhouse also has the capacity to accommodate companies with high power requirements.
Development plots and design & build opportunities
- Manufacturing / Logistics / Offices
- Opportunities available from 20,000 sq ft – 300,000 sq ft
- Enhanced Power Supply up to 120 MVA and High Capacity Water Supplies are Available
Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone Offers design and build opportunities and surfaced land across three separate sites of 6, 9 and 40 acres.
A full design and build option is available for sizes between 20,000 to 300,000 sq ft with prospective occupiers having the ability to stipulate their bespoke configuration and specification.
Hillhouse has potential to accommodate B1 office pavilions and B8 type uses in attractive and accessible locations overlooking the Wyre estuary and which can benefit from the systems and services already in place within the secure site but also operate in the style of a typical business park with the added advantages of the location.
The site is able to offer a multitude of opportunities for investment and relocation, is assembled and in single ownership.
Surfaced land is available from 3 acres up to 40 acres.
Enhanced power supply up to 120 MVA and high capacity water supplies are available.
Hillhouse South
Hillhouse South is a secure industrial development located at the heart of Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone which comprises a large, fully secure and serviced strategic industrial and employment site.
Hillhouse North
Hillhouse North is located at the heart of Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone which comprises a large, fully secure and serviced strategic industrial and employment site situated on the Wyre Estuary, close to the Port of Fleetwood.
