IN a move that is expected to facilitate expansion at both companies, Allergan has agreed to purchase the local headquarters of Portwest (pictured), which adjoins its expansive facility just off the N4 Castlebar Road outside Westport.\r\nLocated in the 38-acre IDA-developed Westport Business and Technology Park to the rear of the Allergan plant, and adjoining the pharmaceutical giant’s new €275 million biologics facility, it is understood that the Portwest building and some adjoining land they own will now become part of the Allergan facility. Allergan has been growing exponentially at this location in the four decades since operations commenced there with just a handful of staff in 1977.\r\nThe deal is subject to planning permission being granted to Portwest, which is now looking to relocate to Westport Quay and construct a new corporate headquarters for its ever-growing global operation. If this move is given the green light, it is proposed that a sensitively and architect-designed building and associated facilities will be constructed adjacent to the Irish Pet Food facility (formerly BP/Trouw) at Roman Island. This, a source close to the transaction told The Mayo News, will facilitate projected expansion at Portwest, including an increase in headcount at the Westport headquarters.\r\nThe site for this proposed development is at the location of the old seven-storey Pollexfen Mill, which was demolished in June 2015, and on adjoining ground. Owned since 1995 by the locally trading and highly successful Hughes Group (of which Portwest is a major component with turnover well in excess of €100 million) the site was previously the subject of a plan to develop a hotel, but this never went ahead. A change of planning designation at the harbourside site (material contravention of the County Development Plan)  from Mayo County Council will be required in order for Portwest’s plan to advance at Westport Quay. Therefore, finalisation of the sale of Portwest’s base in the technology park to Allergan is also depending on this.\r\nContrary to rumours circulating, it is understood that the site of the old Portwest offices (on the Castlebar Road to the front of Allergan and known locally as the Starlight as it was once the Starlight Ballroom) is not part of this deal. A separate Hughes Group Company is currently trading at this location. No financial details of the transaction were disclosed.