SEVERAL new firms are set to provide a jobs boost this spring when an industrial and business estate opens its doors.

Half of the property at the new Leigh Commerce Park, off Warrington Road, has been snapped up, it has been confirmed.

Property development company Hurstwood Holdings has announced Aspire Platforms, intends to take 4,850 square foot unit there, with Dolly Bird Studio moving into a 2,176 square foot space and Surefire Protection (UK), Dirtbike Hubstore and Just Tech IT signing up for smaller premises.

Sam Ashworth, development manager of Hurstwood, said as the owners of the adjacent Leigh Business Park the company was always confident the demand would be there.

"To have secured these pre-lets so quickly and without even having to offer any incentives or fit outs meant that we had clearly identified a gap with the market and we are pleased with the success to date," he added.

Specialist lender, Together provided a facility of £1.7m for the second phase of development.

Ritchie Watson, their lending director, added: “We recognised potential in this scheme from the beginning and we're delighted to be on board."