A multi-million pound scheme planned for the site of a former Liverpool city region biscuit factory could create up to 150 jobs. Tony McDonough reports
Derwent Group has submitted plans for the redevelopment of a former biscuit factory on Huyton Trade Park in Knowsley.
If approved the scheme would see the construction of 62,500 sq ft of industrial space comprising 24 units. They would range in size from 1,200 sq ft to 7,500 sq ft. It is estimated the project could see the creation of up to 150 jobs.
Acting on behalf of the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, the Derwent Group develops and operates a UK industrial, office, retail and leisure portfolio totalling 3m sq ft. It also includes Liverpool Shopping Park off Edge Lane.
This latest development will be located on the site of the former Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory. It opened in 1955 but was closed by 1983. For several years afterwards it was also home to one of Merseyside’s most popular nightclubs, Ferrari’s.
Andy McCormack, senior asset manager at the Derwent Group, said: “We have worked closely with Knowsley Council to create a scheme that will enhance the area. It will provide a vital boost to the local economy with a projected impact of about £5.8m per year.
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“Huyton benefits from excellent connectivity, located only a few minutes from Tarbock junction, which links the M62 and M57 motorways.
“This scheme would provide much needed modern industrial space in this sought-after location to meet the pent-up demand of local and national occupiers.”
Subject to planning approval, the units will be built speculatively and Derwent aims to start on site later this summer.
Entrepreneur Albert Gubay founded the charitable foundation in 2016 when he bequeathed the £700m property empire that he had built up over his lifetime. He wanted its income to be used for charitable purposes.
In the year ended March 31, 2022, AGCF awarded 93 grants totalling more than £10.6m to registered charities in England, the Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland and Wales.
To date the charity has awarded more than £42m to 457 projects with donations ranging from £5,000 up to £2.25m helping to benefit those most in need.