Barwood in talks over 650,000 sq ft distribution base
DEVELOPER Barwood is in talks with potential occupiers for its major new distribution base called M6 Epic near Wigan.
A joint venture between Barwood and Legal & General Property bought the 31-acre former Georgia Pacific site at Ashton-in-Makerfield near junction 25 of the M6 in January. It is on the edge of the South Lancashire Industrial Estate.
It secured planning permission in the summer for two distribution buildings, one of 525,000 sq ft and the other 125,000 sq ft, which are being offered on a design and build basis.
Their construction will be funded by Legal & General once pre-lets have been agreed, with Barwood acting as the development manager.
Barwood’s Andrew Dickman told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We bought the site because we believe in supply and demand in balance, particularly along the M6 and in the North West. We also believe in the robustness of the region.
“We’re in negotiations with a number of parties about the site. It’s quite an early stage in our marketing but there is interest and it’s encouraging.”
Northampton-based Barwood has been active in the region since launching a Northern office last year.
Steve Normington, director of economy at Wigan Council, said: “The development plans at the South Lancashire Industrial Estate are exciting and offer a great opportunity for the local area. We’re keen to see the plans progress because they will create jobs and generate investment.”
