Secretary of State opens business park

Knowsley Estate’s commercial development, Stanley Grange Business Village, was officially opened by Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The 55,000 sq. ft. Business Village provides 22 office units, housed in sympathetically converted Victorian brick-built farm buildings and has already attracted a host of companies including design agency O’Connell & Squelch Ltd., Cybertill and Chill Out Spa.
Stanley Grange Business Village is the brainchild of Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby, who is passionate about supporting business growth in the Knowsley area. He comments: “The official opening marks the culmination of 12 years planning and development. The launch has been the chance to show off something that we think is very special.
“The Business Village combines modern and functional commercial space with breathtaking surroundings – cobbled courtyards and a woodland walk – to create an impressive and inspiring working environment. With excellent transport links and flexible leases, we hope that the Stanley Grange Business Village will play a key role in supporting business growth in the area. ”
Paterson has overall responsibility for the Defra and a grant from the organisation has enabled high quality, high-speed broadband provision at the site. He comments:
“Knowsley Estate has converted redundant agricultural buildings into a modern unit, working with skilled local craftsman to ensure it is completely in-tune with the surrounding area.
“Superfast broadband – the single biggest driver to the prosperity of the countryside – has made the creation of a business park in the heart of the Knowsley Estate a reality and, as the development continues, will go onto attract more businesses and create even more jobs locally.
“This development is an outstanding example of how a local business, working with an enlightened planning authority, can secure long-term sustainability and one other areas should aspire to.”