Network Rail acquires former fitness centre site in Crewe

Network Rail has acquired a 15,838 sq ft site close to Crewe railway station

It bought the site, a former Total Fitness facility, along with standalone office building Mannin House, for an undisclosed sum from privately-owned property company Cariad Developments.

The site was acquired by Cariad in early 2020 as a medium term development opportunity, but its plans were changed by the pandemic, particularly its impact on the leisure sector.

Total Fitness vacated the site in 2021, leaving two thirds of the site empty.

This created an opportunity to market a prime site area of six acres, together with added redevelopment opportunities, which be attractive to industrial developers, speculators, investors, and owner occupiers.

Matthew Pochin, of Legat Owen, who acted for Cariad, said: “This was not the easiest transaction to bring to a conclusion, mainly due to the competitive market place for opportunities of this nature.

“However, seeing Crewe as a key location for the business and ultimately the railway sector, Network Rail ultimately came forward with a strong offer and moved from agreement to completion within five working days.”

Guy Cooke, of BNP Paribas Real Estate (BNPPRE), who are retained nationwide by Network Rail, said: “This strategic acquisition will facilitate yet further investment by Network Rail at this site and within the wider Crewe area in the coming years.”

Cariad was advised by Legat Owen and Hatrick.