£12m logistics development announced for Birkenhead Docks
A £12m development to create contemporary logistics space on Birkenhead Docks has been unveiled.
The scheme is a joint venture between Liverpool-based Peel Ports Group, which owns the docks, and specialist manufacturer Finsa UK, which already has a facility at Birkenhead.
Situated on the West Float part of the docks the 6.5 acre development will help boost Finsa UK’s business growth, enabling it to centralise its UK operations on the site which will create a new headquarters.
Plans for the 6.5-acre development will facilitate Finsa UK’s business growth, including a new headquarters for the firm, and enable it to centralise its UK operations to the site. It will also encourager further investment in the local area.
Work is expected to commence on site in the very near future, with the programme of work estimated to be complete within two to three years.
Sustainability will form a large part of the plans, with Finsa UK planning to put several environmental systems in place to support the local green economy, including using sustainable timber, reusing rainwater and electric machinery as opposed to diesel.
The agreement came off the back of a long standing relationship between Peel Ports and Finsa UK, with the manufacturer being a loyal partner of the port operator for more than 25 years.
Andrew Martin, group land and property director at Peel Ports, said: “Finsa UK has been a greatly valued customer of Peel Ports for more than three decades, and we are thrilled to help support the next phase of their business growth at such an exciting time for the company.
“This project will create contemporary, high specification logistics space that will support their ambitious expansion plans and drive international investment in the local area. A special thanks to the team for their support with this scheme, as well their commitment to investing in Birkenhead and its residents.
“We look forward to working with the team in partnership for many years.”
Rafael Willisch, managing director at Finsa UK, said: “ We have been operating from Birkenhead Port for more than 30 years and this investment will secure our presence in Wirral for the future.
“We thank Peel Ports and Wirral Council for the support in the development of this project which will allow us to continue our growth, securing existing jobs and creating new ones.”
Chair of Wirral Council’s economy, regeneration and housing committee, Cllr Tony Jones, said: “This is an exciting time for the borough and Wirral Waters is one of the key sites in the Left Bank which is seeing real progress in the massive programme of regeneration we have under way.
“Finsa UK is a much-valued company which has been based in and investing in Wirral for several decades and I’m pleased to see them make this commitment to remaining in the borough, and particularly within the Freeport area. Subject to their proposed development obtaining the necessary permissions I look forward to Finsa being in Wirral for many more years to come.”
