Cadent signs up off plan for Carnforth site
Energy infrastructure business Cadent has signed a pre-let for a new base for its teams who cover North Lancashire and Cumbria.
Lancashire based contractor, developer and investor Barnfield Group are in the process of developing the site at Carnforth 356, a strategic employment site located on the A601(M) fronting Junction 35 of the M6.
The 5-acres of land north of Kellet Road was acquired by Barnfield Contractors UK with outline planning permission in December 2020 . Following a successful marketing campaign supported by JLL and Preston O’Herlihy, pre-lets were negotiated with Cadent, as well as Howdens, Screwfix and Linneaus.
Cadent manages 21,000 miles of underground gas pipes in North West England, distributing energy to keep local homes, hospitals, schools, offices and other buildings warm. It also provides the region’s 24/7, year-round gas emergency service.
Paula Steer, North West Network Director for Cadent, said: “We’ve been part of the fabric of this part of the world for over 200 years and take a lot of pride in that. We wanted a modern space for our teams to work from, but one that sits in the heart of the communities we serve, so the site in Carnforth is ideal – a perfect fit. We can’t wait to move in.”
Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Developments and Acquisitions at Barnfield said: “It was great to welcome occupiers on site today to celebrate starting on site. To have secured four occupiers off plan clearly demonstrates the quality of the development and the demand for industrial space in Carnforth. The site is connected to and highly visible from the main motorway network, an ideal location for local companies looking to benefit from immediate motorway access whilst still being in close proximity to Carnforth, Morecambe and Lancaster.”
The remaining plots include a 17,500 sq. ft. unit and a 20,000 sq. ft. unit. Tracy added “Barnfield are familiar with Carnforth, having previously built 150,000 sq. ft. of industrial units on Carnforth Business Park opposite the site.”
The development was named primarily linking the site with the location (Junction 35 of the M6 with inspiration taken from the old Porsche model 356, in recognition of the neighbours – the Porsche Centre South Lakes.
Mark Churchill, Head of Trade Property at Howden Joinery, who are also moving to the site, said: “We have been looking for quite some time for the right property in Carnforth and are very pleased to be opening at Junction 35 later this year as part of our on-going expansion programme.”
Montagu Evans have acted as acquisition agents on behalf of Howden Joinery.
The development will be a phased completion commencing with the units for Howdens and Screwfix in Q3 2024. Retained agents for the scheme are Brendan O’Herlihy at Preston O’Herlihy together with Ruth Leighton at JLL.
