Liverpool home of famous Halewood drinks group sold to Network Space
Network Space has acquired a high profile 28-acre site in Huyton, Liverpool, for an undisclosed amount, that was previously home to global drinks maker Halewood Artisanal Spirits.
The Sovereign Distillery comprises 446,151 sq ft of industrial space and was the former headquarters of the family-owned producer of world-famous products such as Lambrini, Liverpool Gin, Crabbie whisky and The Pogues Irish whiskey.
Halewood operated from the site since 2000 and last year relocated a large proportion of its operation to Chorley. It will continue to occupy half of the site for storage and distribution through a lease back arrangement in the short to medium term. Network Space has successfully acquired the freehold of the site following a competitive tendering process.
Newton-le-Willows-based Network Space intends to refurbish and redevelop the site to create a multi-let employment scheme to meet existing and future demand for industrial property.
Richard Ainscough, Network Space group CEO, said: “The acquisition of this high profile, exceptionally well located site provides a fantastic opportunity. We plan to maximise its potential through a part demolition, part refurbishment and part new build strategy.
“When finished, the site will provide small to mid-size urban logistics units, perfectly suited for e-commerce as well as regional distribution.”
A Halewood spokesperson said: “The sale of the site at Huyton is part of our ongoing business strategy of developing premium artisanal spirits with strong provenance – moving away from low margin carbonated drinks due to recent abolition of duty dilution.
“We are focused on strengthening our regional spirits proposition, with multiple distilleries across England, Scotland and Wales, whilst also growing our global distilling capacity with our new distillery in St Petersburg. We’ve also upsized our site in Chorley, Lancashire, and increased employment at this location.”
The self-contained site at Huyton Business Park is located adjacent to the M62/M57 intersection, proving easy access to the entire Liverpool City Region and beyond.
B8RE and Gateley acted for Network Space, Savills acted for Halewood Artisanal Spirits.
