BURY is open for business, say council chiefs, as bosses select a developer to create more than 40,000 sq ft of modern business accommodation.

Warrington based firm St Modwen has been chosen by Bury Council to work on Chamberhall Business Park, in Chamberhall Street.

Council bosses hope the development will create jobs and attract employers to set up in Bury.

The first phase of development at the 17 acre business park will create 40,000 sq ft worth of business space.

The developers say the site will be attractive to employers, being close to the motorway network and close to Bury town centre.

It represents an expansion of developments already in the area, including Bury police's new headquarters.

Cllr Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: "I'm delighted St Modwen will be our partners at Chamberhall.

"I want Bury to become the place of choice for companies to set up due to our business friendly policies, companies who in return will offer good quality employment and training opportunities to local people.

"Creating a strong local economy centred on businesses that offer high quality employment is one of my key priorities."

Mike Owen, Bury Council’s chief executive, added: "This is a prime site, superbly located next to Bury town centre, and a major employment generating zone. It's a pleasure to work with St Modwen, and we look forward to welcoming many more entrepreneurs to our borough."

St Modwen, which has previously worked in the regeneration project at New Covent Garden Market in London, was selected after the council launched a contest to select a development partner for the site in January.

David Nuttall, development manager for St Modwen North West, said: "Chamberhall Business Park is an excellent site with real potential and fits well within our regeneration and development programme.

"This follows a series of acquisitions for St. Modwen’s North West office this year including the recent £9.5million acquisition of Warth Industrial Estate.

"Not only does this activity add to our regeneration experience and strengthen our portfolio in this region, it demonstrates ongoing growth of the business and our confidence in the area.

"We believe that there is strong demand for high quality business accommodation in Bury and we are confident that we will receive cross sector interest from occupiers from within the town and further afield.

"We’re now looking forward to getting the redevelopment of Chamberhall Business Park moving and getting on site as soon as we can."

Chamberhall Business Park is seen as a strategically important development opportunity and is highlighted within the Bury But Better – Vision and Development strategy, due to its location and connectivity. It also forms part of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities’ investment pipeline.