Developer Redsun Projects submits detailed planning application for 50,000 sq ft industrial scheme in Liverpool city region with a value of £7.5m. Tony McDonough reports

Redsun Projects has submitted a detailed planning application for a new 50,000 sq ft industrial scheme at Knowsley Business Park.

Called Hub50, the project will have a development value of £7.5m. It marks the second phase of Redsun’s Knowsley Hub development. Phase one, a 36,000 sq ft trade counter scheme, completed at the end of 2022.

That is 50% let with tenants including Howdens Joinery and SCIS. The four-acre site for the second phase is being acquired from Knowsley Council as was the first phase which sits on a three-acre site.

There is a rising demand for industrial or logistics space across the North West. This is expected to intensify following the launch of the Liverpool City Region Freeport earlier this year.

In recent weeks detailed plans have been submitted for the Parkside logistics hub in Newton-le-Willows on the site of a former colliery and work is set to start on the new Vortex Business Park at Ellesmere Port.

Speaking about the Hub50 scheme, Nick Wightman, director at Redsun Projects, said: “We were extremely encouraged by the high level of interest we received in phase one.

“This sustained occupier demand has given us the confidence to push forward with a second phase. We will look to start on site towards the end of this year once planning consent is secured.”

B8 is joint agents for the scheme with Avison Young. The project team includes AEW, Link Engineering, Langton Development Services and KGA.

Jon Thorne, partner at B8, added: “Knowsley Hub is a perfect example of what can be achieved when a proactive council and a forward-thinking developer work together.

“With planning now submitted, we’ll be marketing the site to prospective occupiers and giving businesses the option of relocating to a new, bespoke, highly sustainable facility.”