In a project first proposed 20 years ago, institutional investor Royal London will push forward with a multi-million pound 807,000 sq ft industrial development just north of Liverpool after securing planning consent. Andy Brown reports
Institutional investor Royal London will create 807,000 sq ft of industrial space on the former Rolls Royce factory just north of Liverpool after securing planning consent.
Royal London acquired Atlantic Park Dunnings Bridge Road in Netherton in 2003. Its initial ambitions for the site were hampered by the economic crash in 2008 and then by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But its now believes that the time is right to go ahead, due to “promising market indicators and a clear national demand for employment floorspace in logistics and advanced manufacturing”. It is located within the Liverpool City Region Freeport zone.
It is estimated the five new industrial units could create space for the employment of up to 1,125 people, delivering “significant economic and social benefit for Sefton”.
Sefton Council’s Planning Committee gave the green light to the plans at meeting at Bootle Town hall on Tuesday.
A Planning Statement prepared by Turley on behalf of Royal London said: “Royal London acquired the leasehold of the Atlantic Park site in 2003 with a view of bringing forward development at this important strategic employment location.
“However the global recession hindered progress on site following the granting of a long-term outline permission for an extensive employment-led redevelopment of the park in 2006.
“Royal London is now seeking to bring forward new proposals for Atlantic Park given promising market indicators and a clear national demand for employment floorspace in logistics and advanced manufacturing.
“The proposed development principally comprises the erection of five industrial warehouses with flexible uses proposed, alongside associated access roads, parking, service yards and landscaping.
“Another aspect of the Proposed Development is to break up and remove the foundation slab which served the former Rolls Royce Factory on site.
“Flexible planning permission is sought so as to cater to market trends and optimise the site’s potential given its strategic positioning along the Dunnings Bridge Road corridor and the strategic road network leading to the Port of Liverpool.”
The five units would vary in size with the largest comprising 200,000 sq of gross internal floor area, including ancillary office space.
“Green infrastructure” will be integrated throughout the site acting as a visual buffer to neighbouring land users and the surrounding public realm.
Demand for industrial and logistics space has been growing across the North West over the past couple of years. The launch of LCR Freeport may see this demand increase further.
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The planning document adds: “There is currently unparalleled demand for new high-quality class B8 logistics floorspace within the North West in addition to B2 floorspace, particularly for the benefit of advanced manufacturing.
“Royal London has carried out extensive market research to understand need and demand at Atlantic Park and the wider area which has strong links to the supply chain associated with the continuing growth of the Port of Liverpool.”