Network Space has now secured both a planning approval and a £1.8m investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Single Investment Fund (SIF) for the next phase of development at its strategic 30 acre Alchemy site in Knowsley, Merseyside.

The commercial property business has secured consent and funding to deliver a new industrial workspace phase called ‘Element’ which totals 103,000 sq ft alongside outline planning consent to deliver a further 150,000 sq ft in later phases on the remaining land. 

The development, which is located directly off the A580 close to junction 4 of the M57, includes three new workspace units of 22,000, 35,000 and 46,000 sq ft which Network Space will now bring forward speculatively with a start on site expected in late 2017 and completion in the Autumn of 2018.  This latest phase of development will complement the fully occupied first phase development which totals 100,000 sq ft but comprises of smaller units, ranging between 6,000 – 12,000 sq ft. Occupiers at the site already include National Grid, Lombard Shipping, Smith News, Autex, Northern Print and Greenbridge Technologies, and it is hoped that this new phase will capitalise on both the shortage of quality new space available within the region and on the site’s strategic and prominent location.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said:

“The Element development at Alchemy is the first of its scale and nature to be developed across the Liverpool City Region for a number of years and its position on Knowsley Business Park provides exceptional transport links to Liverpool, Manchester and beyond. This latest phase of development is a further demonstration of the confidence that developers have in choosing Knowsley as a place to invest and do business.”

Stephen Barnes, Managing Director (Development) for Network Space said:

“Element is one of a number of industrial warehouse schemes that we are delivering speculatively this year as we seek to enlarge our retained industrial property portfolio.  Our first phase scheme at Alchemy called Platinum Court has been fully occupied for some time now and we wanted this next phase, Element, to both complement Phase 1 whilst also providing occupiers with a different offer.  Each of the three proposed larger units is self-contained and features dedicated and generous yards and, in the case of the larger two units, dock loading facilities.  Our Alchemy site is one of the prime locations within Knowsley Business Park and market feedback from our retained Agents CBRE and B8 Real Estate has been extremely encouraging.''