Prime Group sells Blackburn shed to vape firm

The Manchester-based developer has sold the 55,400 sq ft unit at Prime Point in Darwen to Totally Wicked.

E-cigarette retailer Totally Wicked has acquired the unit for an undisclosed sum.

The deal forms part of Totally Wicked’s expansion strategy, Prime said. As of this summer, Totally Wicked is majority owned by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Wittyace, which shares directors with Chinese vape giant RLX Technology.

The Darwen deal means both units the 105,000 sq ft first phase at Prime Point now have occupiers.

Prime secured a 15-year pre-let with Spiroflow on a 50,000 sq ft unit in 2024.

Looking ahead, Prime also has consent for phase two, featuring another pair of units totalling 220,000 sq ft.

Baber Majid, managing director of the Prime Group, said: “With deals completed on both units on phase one, we are now implementing plans to develop out the second phase on a speculative basis.

“With planning already in place, we can move quickly to deliver these buildings within a 12-month timeframe.”

B8RE, JLL, and BC Real Estate are the retained agents for Prime Point.

Will Kenyon, director at B8RE, said: “The local occupational market in Blackburn is proving to be extremely resilient, which has been reflected in the building successfully achieving a strong freehold value.

“Our client’s decision to develop the second phase underlines their commitment to the scheme and we look forward to marketing these high-quality facilities to occupiers looking for sustainable space in this part of East Lancashire.”