Arrow, Cerberus plot 357,000 sq ft Bolton industrial

A 17-acre site currently occupied Essity is the subject of redevelopment proposals from the joint venture.

Arrow and Cerberus, who together make up the €3bn Strategic Industrial Real Estate joint venture, have lodged plans with Bolton Council to build up to 357,000 sq ft of new-build industrial and warehouse space off Mansell Way in Horwich – to be known as Arrow Point Bolton.

The JV bought the site in 2020 and has been in talks with Essity about potential upgrades to the complex, described by planning consultant Stantec as “outdated”.

SIRE and Essity are in discussions over a new lease that would see the latter remain in situ.

However, it has not yet been decided if the tissue paper manufacturer, whose current lease is due to expire soon, will ultimately end up occupying the redeveloped site.

To maintain a level of flexibility around the future scheme, SIRE is seeking outline consent.

Three options for the configuration of the redeveloped site have been put forward. Option one proposes a single 357,000 sq ft unit, option two is for two units totalling 328,000 sq ft, and the third option is for a pair of units with a combined footprint of 297,000 sq ft.

It looks like option two is the preferred one, though. This would comprise of one 107,500 sq ft unit and one 220,300 sq ft one. These would be developed to achieve EPC A and BREEAM Excellent. The plans call for a 4.1 MVA power capacity and 82 HGV trailer places. If planning permission is achieved, the warehouses could be complete before the end of 2025.

Rob Howe, head of European Real Estate at Arrow Capital Partners, said: “Arrow Point Bolton will be a modern logistics development with enhanced sustainability measures in a highly desirable industrial location, reflective of our strategy to meet the sustained level of strong occupier demand for industrial space in the North West.

“This project also demonstrates our extensive investment strategy and development capabilities across the UK and Europe, as we continue to expand our portfolio with flexible logistics assets and development opportunities in prime locations,”  he concluded.

PHP Architects is advising SIRE on its proposals, alongside Stantec and TFT Consultants. B8 Real Estate is the agent.

To learn more, search for planning reference 17849/24 on Bolton Council’s planning portal.