Go ahead for AHK Knowsley headquarters

The development of a 60,000 sq ft office and laboratory complex within Kings Business Park by commodity analyst Alfred H Knight has been approved by Knowsley Council.

Alfred H Knight bought the 30,000 sq ft Pegasus House within Kings Business Park from LPA receivers JLL last summer for around £2.5m and is in the process of completing a refurbishment programme which includes changes to the external cladding of the 1970s office.

The company then followed the office acquisition with the purchase of a 10-acre brownfield site adjacent to Pegasus House, known as Lion Court, from Marshall CDP for around £3m.

The approved plans are for a laboratory and office on Lion Court, made up of three main linked buildings, alongside a facility management building, nine single-storey outbuildings, and a 159-space car park.

The internal area of the main buildings will total 56,000 sq ft.

The scheme was designed by Mouchel.

The laboratory would provide new working facilities, infrastructure and mechanical and electrical systems. Around 200 members of staff would be employed at the site.

Alfred H Knight specialises in commodity analysis for the mining industry, with operations in more than 35 countries. The UK headquarters are currently in St Helens.

SCP is advising Alfred H Knight.

Alfred H Knight declined to comment.