Omega JV prepares for run of planning applications

The Omega Warrington joint venture between Miller and RBS has submitted a further planning application for 2.1m sq ft of manufacturing and logistics space in the south side of the 575-acre development site at Junction 8 of the M62.

The hybrid application includes detailed plans for a new access road to Junction 8 of the M62 plus a 35-acre wildlife preservation area.

The Zone 7 application follows the success of logistics development on Omega North and Omega South where 1.6m sq ft of distribution occupiers have been secured since the end of 2012; Brakes, Hermes, Travis Perkins and Asda.

Miller said this next stage of development is set within the context of a wider Omega masterplan which seeks to deliver a mix of offices, logistics and manufacturing space, 1,100 new homes, a school, retail and restaurants, bars and hotel.

Andrew Sutherland, joint managing director of Miller Developments, said: "Omega has proved itself to be one of the fastest growing logistics locations in the UK and demand from new potential occupiers is strong. We are therefore seeking to maintain the momentum created on Omega North and with the first phase of activity in the South, that has already secured in the region of £200m of private sector investment.

"We have been working with our partners at the Homes & Communities Agency, Warrington Council and the Cheshire & Warrington LEP on the masterplan for several years; this will be the first planning application reflecting the agreed approach on Omega South."

In anticipation of a planning consent, OWL is in the process of preparing a contract for the next phase of infrastructure works which it hopes to award in the spring. Pending a positive planning outcome, further detailed planning applications will come forward for Zone 7 as and when occupiers are secured. OWL is currently in advanced discussions with a number of major occupiers who looking to take business space on Omega South.

Following internal partner approvals, it is expected that further planning applications will come forward for the remaining sites on Omega South, for residential and mixed-uses, later in 2014.

OWL is a joint venture between Miller Developments and KUC Properties part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Real Estate Asset Management, in partnership with landowner the Homes & Communities Agency and supported by Warrington Council and the Cheshire & Warrington LEP.