Developer Seymour Estates is set to acquire land in north Liverpool from the city council, in a deal worth at least £500,000, and build a 100,000 sq ft industrial estate. Tony McDonough reports
Senior councillors in Liverpool have agreed to sell 6.4 acres of land in the north of the city to an industrial developer.
On Tuesday evening, the city council’s cabinet voted in favour of selling two plots, totalling 6.4 acres, on Stonebridge Business Park to Seybourne Estates. Seybourne plans to build 100,000 sq ft of industrial space.
This development would be spread across multiple units ranging from 10,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft and could lead to the creation of new jobs. The council expects to recieve at least £500,000 for the land.
These two plots were part of a group of four plots acquired in March 2014 as part of a larger acquisition from The Homes and Community Agency, according to a report that was presented to the cabinet this week.
Close to the East Lancs Road, the plots total 8.89 acres. Expressions of interest were initially sought on an informal tender basis between September 2023 and November 2023. They received 14 bids in all.
The report added: “Seybourne Holdings were assessed as the recommended party to acquire Lots 1 and 2. No acceptable and viable bids were received in relation to Lots 3 or 4.
“The preferred bidder’s financial offer was marginally below the highest bid received for these lots. However the proposed use contained within that bid is not considered appropriate for the land and therefore this bid has been discounted.”
Marketing for Lots 3 and 4 has been placed on hold and the council will undertake an evaluation of the options in line with the emerging strategic asset management plan principles.
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“The sites are surplus to operational requirements and should be brought forward for development to support delivery of new employment accommodation and investment into the Fazakerley East ward,” the report added.
“The disposal will also deliver a significant capital receipt directly to the council. The preferred bidder is a credible developer and has demonstrated their proposed development is viable and funding is available to deliver their proposal.
“The proposed development meets with the council’s ambitions for the site and is in line with current planning policy.”