Work has started on the regeneration of a former coal mine in Merseyside in a project that will eventually see the creation of a 1m sq ft logistics park. Tony McDonough reports
Developer Tritax Symmetry has started work on a 161,000 sq ft logistics facility at Symmetry Park in Merseyside
It marks the first step in the regeneration of the former Cronton Colliery site in Knowsley and unlocks significant investment to deliver a new country park for the borough. Tritax is planning to eventually create 1m sq ft of logistics space.
In March 2022, Tritax Symmetry was granted hybrid planning consent for the UMC-designed 161,000 sq ft facility (unit 1) together with outline planning consent for 838,100 sq ft floor space and a country park. Unit one will be built to net zero carbon in construction and is scheduled for completion early in 2023.
A reserved matters application has now been submitted for the outline area comprising two units totalling 365,542 sq ft. The wider scheme could create employment for up to 1,000 people.
Cronton Colliery opened in 1916 and at its height employed more than 900 people and annually produced more than 350,000 tonnes of coal. Eight men were killed in 1917 during an explosion at the seam. It closed in 1984.
It is estimated the logistics park will generate around £51m of net additional GVA every year. It will also include a new 65-acre country park. With pedestrian/cycle routes. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is putting £12m into the project.
Located east of Junction 6 of the M62, the site forms part of the Halsnead Garden Village Sustainable Urban Extension (HSUE) which represents part of the wider vision for the Halsnead Garden Village.
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David Nuttall, development director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “In commencing construction, we identified strong occupier interest for the outline area and subsequently took the decision to submit this new application to meet the demand and maintain the momentum at Symmetry Park.
“The collaborative way in which the local authority and combined authority has worked has been instrumental in getting the scheme live, which will have a positive regenerative impact in Knowsley.”
Marc Banks, divisional director at GMI Construction which is delivering the build, added: “Symmetry Park, Merseyside is a first-class, highly sustainable development. We have forged an excellent working relationship with Tritax Symmetry.”
Gerald Eve and Cushman & Wakefield are joint letting agents for the scheme. The project team includes UMC Architects, Gerald Eve (planning), Tier Consulting and C4 Projects. Tritax Symmetry is the dedicated logistics developer of Tritax Big Box REIT plc (TBBR).