A FORMER gas works in Dewsbury will be redeveloped for industry.

The site at Bretton Street has been bought by developers PPG Land and Clugston Developments.

Plans are now under way to build a 30,000sq ft industrial unit as the first stage in bringing the site back into use.

The 27-acre site, renamed Bretton Park, aims to provide 400,000sq ft of industrial accommodation with units ranging from 20,000sq ft to 250,000sq ft.

Mark Rudolph, a director at Leeds-based PPG Land, said the units would appeal to a wide range of businesses and bring "significant" benefits to the local economy.

He said: "There are very few alternative locations in this area where freehold units of up to 250,000 sq ft can be provided."

Bob Culliford, a director of Scunthorpe-based Clugston Developments, said: "This joint development with PPG Land will see a major site in West Yorkshire transformed."

Work to prepare the site is expected to start this year with construction due to start next February for completion in the late summer.

The developers are working with Kirklees Council officials to seek European funding for the scheme.

Rob Oliver, of property agent GVA Grimley in Leeds, said: "This is an exciting project at a time when there is a clear demand for freehold industrial property in this area.

"Although marketing is only just getting under way, we have already identified significant interest among existing local businesses keen to move into modern industrial units."