Developer Network Space secures planning consent for multi-million pound 128,000 sq ft industrial scheme on former Liverpool Airport site. Tony McDonough reports
Network Space will build a 128,000 sq ft warehouse on a site that was formerly home to Liverpool Airport.
On Wednesday, councillors planners gave the green light to the Newton-le-Willows-based developer to start work on the industrial scheme. The 6.7 acre site is located on the Estuary Commerce Park in Speke.
Until the 1980s this was the location of Liverpool Airport. Network Space submitted a planning application for the scheme late in 2022. As well as warehouse/logistics space it will also include office accommodation.
Network Space says low carbon energy, sustainability and wellbeing are “integral” to the design of the unit which will be delivered to BREEAM Excellent standard.
To support this, the unit will include solar panels, electric vehicle charging and staff welfare areas in a landscaped environment, including a net increase of 98 trees on site.
Simon Eaton, senior development manager at Network Space, said: “This proposal will make a positive contribution to economic growth and regeneration, attracting inward investment and job creation into Merseyside.
“It allows for a wide range of uses within contemporary and flexible space. Just as importantly, we have pushed the sustainability credentials on this scheme, maximising tree planting on site and creating a highly attractive working environment.”
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This latest project will help meet growing demand for industrial and logistics space in Merseyside and across the North West. This is being fuelled, in part, by the launch of the LCR Freeport earlier this year.
In July LBN reported that take-up of industrial and logistics space across the North West hit 2.15m sq ft across nine deals in the first half of 2023.
This was 3% above the long-term average, according to the latest data in the Savills Big Shed Briefing. Manufacturers accounted for 43% of the total take-up, followed by high street retailers, data centres and film studios.
Average deal size of 238,859 sq ft. Savills reports the supply of warehouse space in the North West has increased by 111% in the last 12 months.