Plans to redevelop Lancashire’s iconic Botany Bay and turn it into an “industrial and commercial space” have been resubmitted.
Developer and asset management company FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) has this week revealed that it plans to push forward with former proposals to transform the former shopping mill just off the M61 near Chorley.
It comes after the outlet village scheme was first scrapped at the end of 2020.
Back in January 2019, FIREM unveiled the plans for a new development on the historic site set to redefine the borough involving a 37 hectare mixed-use scheme providing 300,000 sq ft of employment land, 288 luxury new homes, and a brand new 300,000 sq ft fashion and lifestyle outlet village – but in November 2020, FIREM said these plans had been axed “due to the continued decline in the retail sector”.
This was something it says has been “further compounded by the pandemic”.
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Now, following a virtual public consultation event in November, the developer has decided to resubmit the proposal for the 21-acre site, which is said to remain “largely unchanged”.
The plans for the scheme – which has been designed by MCAU and planning consultants, John Francis Planning – propose 405,386 sq ft of industrial and commercial space, which will deliver a total of 33 individual units for employment and commercial uses.
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FI Real Estate Management (FIREM)FI Real Estate Management (FIREM)
Within the plans, it’s said that 36,996 sqm of commercial floorspace will be designated for “light industrial uses”.
The wider space has then been allocated for landscaping, pedestrian routes, and onsite parking.
On top of all that, FIREM has also said that the regeneration plans for Botany Bay Business Park have the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to the local and surrounding areas.
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Speaking on the resubmitting of the plans this week, a spokesperson for FIREM said: “We’re confident that our proposals for the redevelopment of Botany Bay are not only consistent with the site’s heritage but will also deliver a host of new job and commercial opportunities in Chorley.
“This sector in the North West has seen continued growth for a sustained period, even throughout the pandemic.
“We’ve already witnessed a growing interest in the business space offered by these units since our last announcement, having received a number of inbound enquiries from a variety of businesses”.
Featured Image – Geograph / Ian S
Business
Chester Zoo is hiring a new keeper to look after its ‘birds and bees’
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its ‘birds and bees’, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2026, then surely it doesn’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Keeper to join the Invertebrates team, and for the right candidate, this offers a fantastic opportunity to work as part of the wider Ectotherms department – with a focus on native species conservation.
Chester Zoo is responsible for one of Europe’s largest and most-diverse animal communities, and this is your chance to be a part of what makes it so special.
For this full-time role, the zoo is looking for an ‘enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated’ individual to provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in caring for and managing all the native invertebrate species that live there.
The ideal candidate for this job will have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience, and have ‘outstanding’ observational skills and attention to detail, as well as be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met.
The role of ‘Keeper – Invertebrates’ is 40 hours per week on a 12-month Fixed Term basis, with the working week being 10 days out of 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered, and the salary being £25,500 per annum.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an ‘excellent benefits package’ and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, pension scheme, a staff pass so you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
Think you’re fit for the job? The closing date for applications is 22 November 2026, and you can find out more and apply for the role here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
Business
Full list of Manchester restaurants set to add an extra £1 to bills to tackle homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
A handful of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
As November arrives, the temperatures begin to start dropping, and the nights set in a little earlier, people in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 15 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launches today (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Proloco, Erst, Ezra & Gill, Stretford Canteen, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
Now in its 29th year, StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
Since launching in 1998, the campaign has raised over £16.2 million to support charities across the UK, providing practical help, from meals and emergency accommodation to healthcare, training, housing advice and routes towards finding a permanent home.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2026, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2026
Proloco
Hache MCR
Bar Posie
SAMPA
Blue Eyed Panda
Ezra & Gill
Erst
Little Seeds
Lina Stores
Stretford Canteen
Hawksmoor
Manahatta
San Carlo Bottega
Tampopo
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
The Manc -
20th April 2021 
