BUILDING work has begun on a flagship £15million high-tech industrial facility at Haydock Green, which could bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

The 135,000 sq ft warehouse, manufacturing and office development will provide a state-of-the-art facility in a prime location on a 6.25-acre site at junction 23 of the M6 at Haydock Green.

'Ambitious project'

Together, which has a £7billion loan book, has provided a six-figure development finance facility for a joint venture between property entrepreneur Oliver Morley of Morley Estates, and Barnfield Construction, to press ahead with the ambitious project.

Main contractor, Barnfield Construction are set to start immediately with completion in spring 2025.

Initial discussions with blue-chip tenants suggest that the huge development could provide hundreds of jobs - giving a massive boost to the economy.

The industrial site development will include high-tech features within the high specification offices, large goods yard and security gatehouse.

There will also be striking colour-changing lighting set around the perimeter of the main industrial building – making it visible to thousands of people using the M6.

Distribution centre

Mr Morley, an experienced commercial property developer, said: “This will be the best mid-size distribution centre in the North West and is a unique and rare opportunity because of its visibility from the motorway and the East Lancashire Road.

“I’m delighted that work is now starting on this state-of-the-art high-tech manufacturing and distribution facility with incredibly high spec offices in a prime and central location next to the M6.

“It has taken years to come to market because of the planning permission to build there. I have been sat on my hands for the past few years because of competition in the market, and the lack of ability to achieve commercially sensible funding to generate a decent profit, because of the froth in the market.

“We expect significant demand for these type of industrial units when they are completed. We’ve already had initial conversations with potential tenants and estimate that the facility could lead to 300 to 400 jobs being created on the site – giving a huge boost to the region’s economy.”

Contractors, developers and investors Barnfield Construction, who have developed large-scale industrial and commercial property across 9 million sq ft of land over the past 47 years will be starting work on the new site in the next few weeks.

Second phase

The latest scheme will be the second phase of development at the Haydock Green site.

The first stage, a 373,000 sq ft warehouse was sold to Warrington Borough Council for a record £46.5m in 2019, due to its "rarity and prominence", say developers.

A third phase is also planned for an adjacent five-acre site at Haydock Green which will include a similar high-tech warehousing and industrial facility as well as a five-storey self-storage unit.

Tim Webber MBE, chairman of Barnfield Construction, said: “Building quality industrial and commercial units is our expertise here at Barnfield and we are committed to providing long term value, collaborative working and strong relationships with our clients and partners.

“Haydock Green is a perfect example of this, and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Morley Estates and Together. Haydock Green is already one of the most high profile sites in the region and the new speculative unit is another great addition to an already thriving site.

“In 2019 we worked with Morley Estates to deliver a 373,000 sq ft unit which was let to Movianto in one of the largest industrial and logistics deals of the year.

"Our team is familiar with the site and are currently delivering infrastructure works to the development. We will be working with local sub-contractors to bring this vibrant development to fruition.”

'We have received initial enquiries'

Jon Thorne, director of B8 real estate, the retained agent for the development, said: “Haydock Green will be a high-profile HQ building in a premiere location fronting the M6 motorway.

"With a lack of speculative development of this calibre and size under construction in the North West, we have received initial enquiries from interested parties who are looking for a state of the art facility for their organisation.”