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PROPERTY
VET GROUP’S VIBRANT VISION FOR THE VILLA
Plans have been submitted for the transformation of The Villa at Wrea Green as part of Tangerine Group’s £20m investment programme in the Fylde.
Preston-headquartered planning practice FWP has been commissioned to provide architectural and multidisciplinary support for the project, which will upgrade the country house hotel and create the VetPlus Academy, a dedicated training, teaching and conference centre.
Following a community consultation, the proposals have now been submitted to Fylde Council. They include a new 25-metre swimming pool, 20 additional bedrooms and state-of-the-art lecture theatres.
Tangerine Group acquired The Villa in September last year. The investment forms part of wider expansion plans that also include a new headquarters for the business, around
local economy by a company that has a strong track record of delivery, illustrated by the success of Mill Farm, which has become a true destination venue for sport, leisure and entertainment as well as high-quality logistics and manufacturing operations.”
David Haythornthwaite, chairman of Tangerine Group, said: “The Fylde has always been home for Tangerine Group, and we are proud to continue investing in the community where the business began.
“Over the past three decades we have grown from a small business in a disused builders’ yard in Freckleton to a company whose products are trusted by vets in 54 countries across the world.”
FWP has a long-standing relationship with Tangerine Group and David Haythornthwaite, having created the masterplan for the award- winning Mill Farm sports village at Wesham.
The upgrading of The Villa will help protect the future of one of Lancashire’s most iconic leisure and
hospitality venues. The plans we have worked on will deliver an exciting new chapter for the hotel
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CGI of The Villa plan
two miles from the hotel. Lancashire Business View revealed details of the £20m programme in March.
David Robinson, managing director of FWP, said: “The upgrading of The Villa will help protect the future of one of Lancashire’s most iconic leisure and hospitality venues. The plans we have worked on will deliver an exciting new chapter for the hotel.
“This is a very welcome investment in the
The practice has continued to support the development of the 31-acre mixed-use site, home to AFC Fylde, for the past 15 years.
Founded in Preston in 1960, FWP now has offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London. The practice delivers architecture, masterplanning, cost management and multidisciplinary construction services and is involved in a range of major sports, leisure, health and cultural projects across the UK.
MANUFACTURER MOVES TO £14m
HEADQUARTERS GVS Filter Technology UK has relocated from Morecambe to a new £14m facility in Lancaster, bringing its 200 strong workforce together at a new purpose built low carbon manufacturing base.
The company has moved into the 24,000sqm former Sofidel site on Caton Road. The new two storey waterside development combines advanced manufacturing and office space under one roof as part of its drive towards net zero.
Founded in 1979, GVS Filter Technology UK manufactures technical filtration systems for the healthcare, life sciences, safety and automotive sectors.
The development transformed an existing warehouse into GVS’s new production facility, housing injection moulding and high tech filter manufacturing carried out under cleanroom standards.
The project was delivered by Conlon Construction to designs by Cassidy and Ashton. Renewable energy and heat transfer management systems were incorporated into the development .
Miguel Aranda, managing director of GVS Filter Technology UK, said: “Conlon and Cassidy and Ashton’s professionalism, collaboration and attention to detail have delivered a state of the art environment that reflects who we are and enhances our team’s daily experience.
“The new space has strengthened connection, creativity and wellbeing across the business. We’re immensely grateful for the way the team brought our vision to life and supported the health, happiness and productivity of our people.”
Darren Lee, commercial director of Conlon Construction, said: “Delivering GVS’s new purpose built UK headquarters, and facilitating its relocation from Morecambe, has been an exciting and significant project.
“It strengthens Lancashire’s economy, shows global companies that the region is a hub for investment and innovation, and proves what can be achieved when local expertise comes together.
“We’re proud to deliver a facility that sets a benchmark for the county and reinforces Lancashire’s standing in the global business community.”
Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy and Ashton, said: “GVS Filter Technology UK’s new facility is a real statement of intent from an innovative, growing company and a fantastic investment in the Lancashire economy.”
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