Speculative warehouse completes in Widnes

Liberty Property Trust and Stoford Developments have completed a 110,000 sq ft speculative warehouse in Widnes, the largest new-build of its type in the Halton and south Liverpool area.

Contractors GMI and CPUK have handed over the first phase at Liberty Park, which features a 102,200 sq ft warehouse and associated 5,900 sq ft office, designed by UMC Architects.

The wider site has consent for a further 360,000 sq ft of employment space; works have also completed on the infrastructure around the site meaning the 17-acre plot is fully serviced.

The site was formerly used as a railway timber sleeper treatment facility, which was in use until the 1990s, but this has since been demolished leaving the site largely vacant. Access is via Newstead Road and a new access road running alongside the railway; these will link to the A562 Speke Road.

Halton Council gave the first phase the green light in August 2018.

Andrew Blevins, UK managing director of Liberty Property Trust, said: “This development will provide much-needed, high-quality accommodation, complete with extensive infrastructure works, and, once occupied, has the potential to unlock highly valued, new jobs for the Halton and south Liverpool area.

“Completing phase one is an important milestone in our plans for Liberty Park, Widnes. The area is attracting significant inward investment, so delivering high-quality warehouse accommodation such as this will help to bring in major manufacturing and logistics companies.”