FIREM scheme, with potential to create 1,000 jobs, wins planning approval
Chorley developer, FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), has secured planning approval for a one million sq ft warehouse and logistics development, alongside an ecology zone, at Wrexham Industrial Estate, which could create up to 1,000 jobs.
The development, named Wrexham 1M, will be situated on approximately 25 hectares of land within the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The plans, approved by Wrexham County Borough Council, will see a 29-acre enhanced ecology zone sit alongside one million sq ft of warehouse and logistics space.
Plans include ancillary office space and mezzanine storage, with FIREM offering customisable space to meet occupier requirements.
FIREM will work alongside the North Wales Wildlife Trust to deliver a new ecology zone on adjacent land, providing enhanced habitats for local wildlife. Around 75 acres of land will now be dedicated to enhanced ecological areas.
The approval of Wrexham 1M cements FIREM’s presence as a driver of employment in Wrexham, with a total 2.8 million sq ft of commercial space.
The company has invested more than £136m at Wrexham Industrial Estate since 2006, with commercial partners generating £50m of economic benefit to the region each year.
FIREM is also investing in the local highways network to deliver improvements and fund active travel initiatives.
Wrexham 1M will target a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating, as well as carbon net zero in construction, in line with FIREM’s commitment to deliver modern, high quality, sustainable developments.
Building work will be led by FIREM’s construction arm, in collaboration with local education institutions to deliver training and employment opportunities, as part of a commitment to local social value.
Construction work will start at Wrexham 1M this June, with a programme of ecological improvements and mitigation measures, before breaking ground later this year.
Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management, said: “This latest milestone in Wrexham builds on our long term strategy to drive employment opportunities in North Wales. We’re committed to ensuring our work delivers real social and economic impact for the community.
“Currently, 4,000 people are employed by our existing community at Wrexham Industrial Estate and this latest milestone has the potential to create another 1,000 jobs for local residents.”
He added: “We’re consistently seeing rising demand in Wrexham for high quality, flexible industrial space that meets occupier sustainability targets, and we’ve already had significant interest in our latest space, Wrexham 1M.”
