A MAJOR UK property developer is relocating its headquarters to Bolton.

The Hurstwood Group will relocate in June to the new £2 million Oceanic office development in Navigation Park.

The £50m turnover business will bring 100 staff from its current site in Haslingden, Rossendale where it has been since the 1970s.

Hurstwood chairman Stephen Ashworth said: "Over the last 12 months we have made key changes to our structure and strategy so we feel the time is right for a move. Another factor in our decision has been the increasing demand for space at Link 665 in Haslingden - our base for the last three years. The only way we could satisfy that demand was to move out, so the timing of our move to Oceanic in Bolton is perfect for many reasons."

He added: "I am sure we will be welcomed with open arms in Bolton where we already have an excellent working relationship with the council, having worked successfully in the town for the past six years."

"We also believe in Bolton. It's a great place to do business, has a strong professional base and has great motorway links with the rest of the region. We are really looking forward to relocating. It's an exciting time for the company."

The Navigation Park site, off Waters Meeting Road, has been fully developed by Hurstwood since it bought it as a vacant seven-acre plot in 2002.

Last year the construction of a new £5 million medical centre for the Bolton Primary Care Trust was completed. The 28,000 sq ft two-storey development provides a purpose-built home for three GP practices, a dental practice and a pharmacy. This property is also part of Hurstwood's extensive commercial investment portfolio.

Hurstwood Group is one of Lancashire's best known commercial property developers, with interests throughout the UK. It has more than 600 occupier clients in a wide range of properties on over 125 locations.