Work space specialist acquires 14-acre site of former colliery

NETWORK Space has exchanged contracts with the Homes and Communities Agency the government’s housing and regeneration agency, for the purchase of the former Ashtons Field Colliery site in Salford, close to the M61.

The work space specialist intends to bring the 14-acre site forward for industrial work space development and is targeting the submission of a planning application later in the year, prior to advancing a first phase of development.

The site is capable of accommodating up to 150,000sq ft of employment space and it is likely that this will involve a wide range of unit sizes, both terrace and stand alone, to suit occupier requirements.

Network Space managing director Stephen Barnes said:  “The Ashtons Field site offers a great opportunity to provide new high quality industrial space serving the Greater Manchester market.

“There has been a paucity of new space coming forward in this sector for well over a decade despite good levels of demand as evidenced by our own 3 million sqft portfolio which is currently 95% occupied.
 
We intend to capitalise on this demand and are working closely with Salford City Council, the HCA and other partners to ensure that the space can be brought forward as quickly as possible.

City Mayor Ian Stewart said: “I’m glad to see that this brownfield site is now under consideration for development into modern industrial premises which will create new jobs and opportunities for local people.

“This application reflects the continued growth of Salford and strong demand for high quality industrial space.  Ashton Fields was once part of the economic heart of Little Hulton and these plans will reinvigorate the site and bring back that economic success.”