Network Space is close to completing the second industrial phase of development at Mere Grange, St Helens.
Phase 1 of Mere Grange is a £7m speculatively delivered industrial scheme, completed in July 2018 and comprises 90,500 sq ft split across four individual buildings, ranging in size from 18,500 sq ft to 26,350 sq ft. Each unit is self-contained, built to a high specification and designed to appeal to the needs of a wide range of logistics and industrial users.
Phase 1 has welcomed its first tenant, Kilwaughter Minerals Limited, who committed to a 10-year lease earlier this year. The remaining three units, which are ready for immediate occupation, have strong interest.
Phase 2 comprises a 51,400 sq ft unit which is currently under construction and has been pre-let to a specialist commercial laundry firm, Synergy LMS, on a 25-year lease. Caddick Construction are the contractors responsible for the build and completion is anticipated next month.
Network Space has also recently secured planning for a 20,000 sq ft unit on the final phase which has been pre-let to an electrical distribution business. Construction of the unit is due to commence on site next month with completion before the end of the year.
Following completion of Phase 3, Network Space will have delivered 162,000 sq ft within a 24 month period with occupiers committed to 60% of the space already.
Stephen Barnes, Managing Director (Development) at Network Space, said: “We are delighted with progress at Mere Grange as we near completion of Phase 2 and shortly look to commence Phase 3.
In attracting the calibre of occupiers we have, Mere Grange has beaten off strong competition from other sites in the region. This is not only testament to the quality of accommodation we are delivering at the site but also the quality of the location and our proactive approach in responding to occupiers needs.
I’d like to thank the professional team for their hard work, together with our partners St Helens MBC and Homes England who have been actively involved in supporting the project. We look forward to successfully completing the final phase later this year.”
Mere Grange is being developed in association with Homes England, St Helens Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Regional Authority.
Cllr Derek Long, Leader of St Helens Council, said: “The development at Mere Grange is precisely the type of new employment space we require in St Helens in that it can support multiple different sectors. The Borough has a tradition in pharmaceuticals, and health and medical technology businesses.”
Mike Langhorn MD at Synergy LMS, said: “Our new facility at Mere Grange is helping us to invest further in the business. We are the first new healthcare laundry facility in the North West for over twenty years and this facility will further contribute to patient safety by enabling us to deliver clean textiles into hospital theatres and wards across the country.”
Colm Fitzpatrick, Supply Chain Manager at Kilwaughter, said: “We’re all really happy with our new premises, the fit and finish of the office, warehouses and yard is excellent, and the location is ideal; close in proximity to major motorways, ferry ports and airports. Network Space is always happy to help and support us in any way they can, which is an added bonus.”
CBRE and B8 are acting as joint agents for Network Space on the Mere Grange development.
Network Space has been providing industrial workspace and warehousing for over 35 years and intends to deliver 2.5 million sq ft of industrial property over the next five years.
