Willan on hunt for distressed development sites

Manchester-based Willan Developments is actively seeking land and premises across the north as it seeks to capitalise on the falling prices in today's stricken market.

Phil Jones, director of Willan, said: "Vacant industrial or commercial buildings, or ones in need of some 'tlc' to make them attractive to modern tenants, and development sites up to 1.5 acres, anywhere from south Cumbria to Derby and across to North Wales and East Yorkshire, will be considered with an 'in principle' decision promised within 48 hours."

Earlier this year, Willan paid £3m for Greenwood Office Park on the junction of the M602 and A57 on the western approach to Manchester. The premises, comprising 41,000 sq ft in three blocks, were bought off Falcon Property Trust who paid £3.5m in 2005.

Willan also has a specific requirement for a 25,000 sq ft industrial unit on a freehold or long leasehold basis in south Manchester for an existing client who needs to expand production capability.