Halton picks partner for Astmoor industrial

Developer Langtree has been appointed by the council to deliver 185,000 sq ft across four plots totalling 21 acres.

The developments will take up land set aside to support the construction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, which opened in late 2017.

Langtree said that the building of the units will be phased, with a start on site targeted for the second half of next year.

“We’re delighted to be supporting Halton’s regeneration ambitions, building on the huge economic impact brought about by the construction of the new Mersey Gateway. We will bring our design, funding and market expertise to bear to ensure a successful scheme,” said John Downes, group chief executive of Langtree.

Downes said that the aim will be to build on the borough’s successful blend of SMEs and inward investment through the correct mix of unit sizes and types, with the Astmoor site now seeing significant new investment due to the bridge.

He concluded: “Our partnership with the council is targeted at providing new, well designed and well managed products that will add to the existing industrial offer. The scheme will deliver more choice and quality to the market, whilst ensuring wherever possible that the main economic and social impacts are felt locally.”

Cllr Dave Thompson, Halton Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and major projects, said: “It’s vitally important that we ensure that our economy remains competitive and able to attract and support businesses.

“Providing a varied, high quality property offer is key to this and we will continue to drive investment in the borough through the strategic use of our land assets. Langtree’s expertise in brownfield regeneration and the firm’s market reach make it the ideal partner for our Astmoor opportunity.”

Work is now under way to appoint the design and planning team for the project.  The appointment is another good result for Langtree, which has now triggered detailed design work for the 1m sq ft Parkside scheme in Newton-le-Willows, to be delivered with St Helens Council, and has this year celebrated a key completion at Sci-Tech Daresbury in the form of Project Violet.