A MAJOR development company plans to build a multi-million pound business park which could create up to 1,000 jobs in Lostock.

Taylor Woodrow property Company is in the process of acquiring 37 acres of land which BAe Systems -- formerly British Aerospace -- no longer needs for its contracted Matra BAe Dynamics site.

A planning application is due to be submitted in the next few weeks.

If the project goes ahead it will be a massive boost for Bolton WIDE -- a joint private and public partnership which is committed to establishing manufacturing and commercial developments on a number of sites in Horwich and Westhoughton.

Emma Cordingley, Taylor Woodrow's Warrington-based Regional Director, said today: "We are looking to create a quality business park."

She said the emphasis would be on industrial warehouse use and they would be supporting development in the new area.

"We will be building speculatively," she said. "It will bring tens of millions of pounds in new investment.

"We have been looking in the Bolton area for some considerable time for an opportunity of this magnitude. We are thrilled to be involved." The land includes football, rugby and cricket pitches as well as a bowling green and a pavilion.

Legislation protecting sports grounds means that developers must either build a new sports club at a different site or leave it where it is.

Emma Cordingley said the company was working amicably with the sports users to resolve the issue.

Mr Simon Godley, manager of Bolton WIDE, said today: "This is a good company with a good track record.

"Bolton WIDE is looking forward to working with Taylor Woodrow."

He added: "From our point of view it is good news because they have indicated that they want to develop the site for employment use."

Taylor Woodrow Property Company -- part of the Taylor Woodrow group of companies -- has more than 30 years' experience of property development and investment throughout the UK.

In recent years the emphasis has been on property development for trading purposes. Others schemes include major shopping centres and the world-famous St Katharine Docks residential complex in London.