South West property adviser GVA has been appointed to market a strategic 27 acre site in Bridgwater.
GVA is acting on behalf of retailer Co-operative Group to find an occupier for the former Somerfield distribution centre at Huntworth Business Park, close to J 24 of the M5. Located at North Petherton, the centre comprises two detached sites totalling 375,500 sq ft, comprising a former distribution hub and separate temperature controlled chill store facility. The site has recently been vacated as Co-operative Group reorganises its distribution network.
Such is the strategic importance of the location, it has recently been included in a full public consultation programme by EDF Energy, in support of plans for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. The company is seeking opportunities for park and ride locations, freight exchanges and support business locations, to facilitate the project. It is thought that Huntworth may assist in part with this provision.
Paul Hobbs, industrial director at GVA in Bristol says, “The creation of well over 20,000 jobs is on the cards over the next ten years in Somerset if the energy operator receives formal planning for its new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. If it goes ahead, we understand that the third-generation plant would generate sufficient electricity for around five million UK homes.
“As a result, Bridgwater looks likely to become the focus of new world-leading nuclear technology, providing investment and regeneration for the whole sub-region. The expectation is that such a project could provide vast supply chain space demand in the region and these buildings can play a part in that process.
“With Morrisons new distribution centre and extensive new housing development, there are huge opportunities in Bridgwater currently for business, with the expectation that such developments will also have a positive implication sub regionally for the Somerset economy.”
