Greenbank secures £24m to fund Leigh Sports Village supermarket

PROPERTY developer Greenbank Partnerships has agreed a £24m forward funding deal Aviva Investors’ Lime Property Fund.

Wigan-based Greenbank has developed the £100m Leigh Sports Village facility alongside its joint venture partner Wigan Borough Council. The scheme includes a new 10,000-capacity stadium and other sports, recreational and leisure facilities.

The £24m forward funding element being provided by the property fund is in relation to a 64,000 sq ft foodstore and petrol station pre-let WM Morrison Supermarkets, which is the anchor tenant for phase 3 of the scheme, which was granted planning permission in August 2010. Greenbank said that it remains in talks with potential occupiers for the rest of the commercial space at the complex.

“Leigh Sports Village has been, and continues to be, a very exciting opportunity and represents the largest investment in the social, educational and sporting infrastructure of Leigh,” said Greenbank Partnerships’ director Chris Baybutt.

“We have spent a great deal of effort in bringing this project forward over the last 10 years and we are very proud to see it coming to fruition.”

Greenbank Partnerships was advised on the deal by law firm DWF. Lime Property Fund was advised by Pinsent Masons.