Warehousing at M6EPIC gets the green light
PLANNING consent has been secured for a development of up to 182,556 sq ft of warehousing space at a South Lancashire industrial estate.
Approval by Wigan Council has been given to Legal & General Property (LGP) and its joint venture partner DB Symmetry, to build the site at M6EPIC.
Work is start soon speculatively developing the next phase of the development – a 110,000 sq ft industrial distribution unit, with an estimated completion date in the autumn.
The remaining 70,000 sq ft allocated through planning provides further occupier flexibility and may be connected to the unit or developed at a later phase.
M6EPIC is one of the North West’s most significant industrial opportunity sites. The second phase of the scheme sits within a remaining 22.85 acre site which can accommodate buildings from 50,000 sq ft up to 350,000 sq ft, offering purpose-built distribution/manufacturing space constructed to the occupiers’ specific needs.
Located just five minutes from junction 25 of the M6 motorway, M6EPIC occupies a strategic position at the heart of the North West distribution market.
The immediate area is home to a number of major high profile occupiers including; Heinz, Sports Direct, Siemens, Bakkavor Group, Compagnie Fruitière, Norbert Dentressangle, Carlsberg and Milliken Carpets.
Fund manager at LGP, Will Edwards, said: “This speculative development is an example of the Fund’s proactive asset management strategy and will result in a high quality, well specified warehouse being built to satisfy tenant demand in a supply constrained market.
“Demand for logistics units in core locations is benefiting from the recovery in retail sales and structural changes in buying patterns brought about through digital advances.”
Andrew Dickman, Director at DB Symmetry, said: “We are excited to begin the next phase at M6 EPIC. While some may still view spec building as a risk we are confident that the size and quality of building will service the strong demand currently targeting the M6 corridor.”
Paul Cook, Director of Industrial Agency at CBRE Manchester, added: “The new development represents a big vote of confidence in the North West industrial market and will deliver ready-to-occupy space in a strategic position next to the M6.”
