Yearsley Group begins £20m Heywood extension

THE £20m extension of frozen food distributor Yearsley Group’s Heywood base is underway following a ground-breaking ceremony.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Cllrs James Gartside and Jane Gartside, attended the ceremony which will see the firm build a new 160,000 sq ft unit at Harehills Distribution Park next to its existing headquarters.

The company said that up to 150 new jobs will be created as a result of its investment.

Managing director Harry Yearsley said: “This ground breaking ceremony marks an exciting time for Yearsley, as we start work on the new cold store.  

“It’s paramount that we react to the demands of new and existing customers; hence the expansion plans within our operation.”

He added that the Heywood site would be one of two new national “super hubs” created by the Group once complete, which will allow it to consolidate more stock in “strategically located stores”.

The new steel frame building will be similar in style to the neighbouring headquarters facility and will be super-insulated, to help reduce energy use.

The steel-framed building, which will be similar in style to its existing HQ, will also feature a rainwater harvesting system to feed its cooling systems and save on fresh water usage.

It is being built by Trafford-based Russells Construction over three phases, with the first two expected to complete early next year.

John Hudson, chief executive of Rochdale Development Agency, said: “This important expansion for the Yearsley Group not only creates up to 150 new jobs but secures the employment of the existing 300 members of staff, the majority of which come from within a 10 mile radius.”

Landlord Peel said only 4.7 acres of land remains available on the site following its deal with Yearsley and with ink manufacturer INX International, which has taken 40,000 sq ft unit that will be built by September.

Neighbouring occupiers include Argos, JD Sports and Spicers.

Matt Fitton, development manager at Peel Land & Property, said: “With 200,000 sq. ft. of new build coming out of the ground at the same time it is excellent to see both INX and Yearsley Group’s developments take shape and their confidence in expanding their respective businesses at the current time is a shot in the arm to the market.

“It also leaves Peel very confident of further success with the remaining landholding at Hareshill Distribution Park.”

Preston O’Herlihy and Colliers CRE are agents for Hareshill Distribution Park.