A London-based development company and Tandragee crisps maker Tayto are to bring forward plans for a £40 million storage, manufacturing and distribution centre at the former Courtalds site in Lurgan.
Tayto has owned the site at Wenlock Road since 2002, which it currently uses as basic ancillary storage facility.
It has formed a joint venture with Prime Box Ltd, whose focus is on development and the repositioning of single and multi-unit industrial/logistics and roadside premises across Britain and Northern Ireland.
The JV partners say that if their plans are approved and the site developed, all existing jobs at the Tayto facility will be retained by the company and moved to a new location in the local area.
It is expected that the redeveloped site could be used for one or more new operators, bringing new employment and a range of jobs to the site.
The application is for outline planning permission to establish the principle of new uses on the site, with further details expected once planning approval is secured and an operator for the facility is identified.
The joint venture partners said the proposals will attract investment that will benefit local people in Lurgan, create new jobs and safeguard existing employment in the area.
Prime Box directors Toby Clowes (38) and Richard Lord (47) have a combined 30 years of experience adding value to owners, occupiers and investors, with funding sources for development coming from private equity, institutions, property companies and family offices.
According to its balance sheet published at Companies House, Prime Box had capital and reserves of just £1,769 at July 31 2023.
Alongside the application, a full suite of supporting documentation, including a transport impact assessment and construction management plan, will be submitted later, and those with an interest in the proposals can find out more at www.wenlockroadconsultation.com from Thursday September 5.
A public information event will be held at South Lakes Leisure Centre in Craigavon on Thursday September 12 as part of a formal pre-application community consultation process, prior to submission of a planning application to Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council.