Real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has made a significant addition to its growing logistics portfolio with the acquisition of a 42.5 acre development site in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Purchased from Peel Ports Group, the multi-modal site provides exceptional transport links and significant power supply that will benefit potential distribution, manufacturing and storage occupiers.
Immediately adjacent to Junction 7 of the M53, the site has a direct rail link, a direct operational berth from the Manchester shipping canal, is situated just 22 miles from the Port of Liverpool – one of the largest and busiest ports in the UK, and within a 45 minute drive from Liverpool and Manchester Airports.
The site can provide up to 750,000 sq. ft. of logistics warehouse accommodation in one or multiple buildings and Firethorn is currently considering a variety of options. It has the benefit of sitting within a Local Development Order designation that permits new industrial buildings up to 25m in height, enabling development to start quickly in 2021.
Peter Mather, Partner at Firethorn, said: “The opportunity to purchase a substantial freehold, multi-modal site in a recognised business and industrial location in the North West of England is a fantastic addition to our rapidly growing logistics portfolio. The long-term changes in eCommerce trends, paired with the reconfiguration and expansion of supply chains, has exposed a pronounced shortage of fit-for-purpose Grade-A warehousing solutions, particularly in this region.
“Our strategic acquisition of this site within an LDO reflects our vision to respond quickly to increasing demand within the logistics sector, by developing high-quality solutions and unlocking the potential of development sites in strategic locations.
“We plan to develop a highly-sustainable scheme with modern facilities and amenities that will benefit both occupiers and their employees, and continue to drive investment into the local area.”
Andrew Martin, Group Land and Property Director at Peel Ports said: “We are very pleased to have concluded the sale of the Port Cheshire site to Firethorn Trust. We look forward to supporting Peter and his team in bringing forward further development at this multi-modal site.”
Firethorn Trust was advised by CBRE and Peel Ports Group was represented by B8 Real Estate and JLL.