FI Real Estate draws up plans for 1.8m sq ft Widnes industrial
A 96-acre swathe of land fronting the Mersey between Fiddler’s Ferry and the Mersey Gateway Bridge could be redeveloped into units ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft.
FI Real Estate Management is working up plans for Catalyst Business Park, a 1.8m sq ft employment scheme having acquired the former ICI site from Remediated Investments and Broadthorn Construction in 2024.
The site is contaminated as a result of its previous uses and will require remediation prior to redevelopment. It has been allocated for development into employment uses for several years.
FIREM would deliver the scheme in phases over the next decade and estimates the industrial scheme could create more than 2,000 jobs.
The developer has launched a consultation on its plans with a view to submitting planning applications before the end of the year.
The majority of the site falls within Halton borough but it also creeps into Warrington. As such, both local authorities will consider the proposals.
MCAU is leading on design and Planred is advising on planning. The project team also features Geo2, UES, Prime Transport, Adept, PGLA, MED, and Eighty Studio.
Tim Knowles, founder and managing director of FI Real Estate Management said: “Catalyst Business Park represents a major opportunity for Widnes. For too long this site has remained undeveloped.
“However, our project can deliver large-scale and high-quality employment space, leading to the creation of thousands of new jobs including specialised roles. Our long-term plan will revitalise the Waterfront area and will offer substantial environmental improvements, alongside significant economic and social benefits. We are keen to receive feedback as we further develop these exciting proposals.”
FIREM is also behind other large scale logistics schemes in the region including Botany Bay in Chorley and Bredbury Gateway in Stockport.
