Work has been completed on new reception buildings and a car park for the GSK factory in Ulverston.

The development, which also includes a new access road and an expanded memorial garden, has significantly enhanced the site, where GSK has had a factory since 1948.

The development also paves the way for the construction of GSK’s new biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, which is due to start in 2016 and which will be built partly on the site of the old car park.

Phil Wilson, the GSK Ulverston Site Director, said: “This car park development significantly improves the GSK Ulverston site. It is part of the ongoing investment into the existing antibiotics factory in Ulverston and helps to make way for investment in our new Biopharmaceutical factory. It has enhanced safety for our staff and the public and the new dry stone walls and landscaping make the site look much more attractive.

“We have also expanded a memorial garden along part of the car park, which we hope that both our staff and local residents will enjoy. The garden is dedicated to the memory of Dr F. J. Wilkins, an influential manager at GSK Ulverston from 1949 to 1956.

“We are really pleased with the development - both how it looks and what it has achieved.”

More than 1,000 tonnes of Burlington Blue slate from the quarry at Kirkby-in-Furness were used to construct over 750 metres of dry stone walls and for the exterior of the new buildings. The walls were the work of stonemasons T A Law from Kirkby Stephen.

More than 7,000 trees and bushes have also been planted, to improve the appearance of the site and provide new habitats for wildlife.

GSK’s Pat McIver, who managed the construction project, said: “We would like to thank all our neighbours for their patience while this work has been under way. We’ve also been delighted by the support and commitment we have had from Cumbrian firms who have played an important part in making this project a success, alongside our lead contractor, Sisk.“

The Cumbrian companies that worked on the project included Barrow-based Craig & Meyer Architects, who designed the reception buildings and Ulverston-based Chris Brammall Ltd, which designed the monument to Dr Wilkins in the memorial garden. L&W Wilson from Endmoor also played a vital role during the project, including carrying out the initial excavation work on the site.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme awarded the project an ‘Excellent’ grading, as well as a ‘Performance Beyond Compliance’ certificate.

Pat McIver, who is also the GSK Site Biopharm Lead, added: “It’s great to see the results of this work and to know that we now have the ideal platform from which to develop our new world class biopharmaceutical factory in 2016.”

GSK is set to unveil more details about its plans for the new Biopharm factory shortly. For further information about the overall project visit http://gsk-ulverston.co.uk/