FRANK FIELD, MP for Birkenhead and Welfare Reform Minister, officially opens the first phase of Wirral's new Lairdside Technology Park this Friday, June 26.

The scheme, costing £3.5m, with the potential to create more than 200 jobs, takes place on the site of the old British Leather works on the New Chester Road in Birkenhead.

The speculative development, which will provide 72,000 square feet of modern, high-quality accommodation, is located on a major route into Birkenhead town centre.

The largest unit on the site has been purchased by one of Birkenhead's oldest companies - marine, industrial and safety specialists Cosalts Perry. This showpiece unit will be the venue for the opening.

The company, which was founded in 1804 as a traditional sailmaking and ships chandlery business, supplied sails to the battle fleet of Lord Nelson for the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

With a history stretching back almost 200 years operating from its original site at Monks Ferry, the move to Lairdside Technology Park represents an important step for the company, allowing it to expand its business, and move forward into the 21st century.

Said branch manager Mike Chatham: "Lairdside Technology Park provides us with high quality premises that we are pleased to do business from. This location will continue the historic linkages with marine-related businesses, including Cammell Laird Group Plc and GEC Marine."

The new development has been welcomed by Councillor Phil Davies, Chair of Wirral's Economic Regeneration Sub-Committee: "This prestigious development will provide an important source of jobs for Wirral, as well as achieving a major improvement to the environment along a key section of the A41."

Felton Developments Limited, a well established local construction company from New Ferry, has carried out the development.

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