Conclusion: The site is of a sufficient size to accommodate strategic B8 development, however its deliverability for general B8 development is influenced by the operational / future requirements of the landowner. GL Hearn considers that it should not be counted as part of the available/ future supply at a city region level.
22.4 ha site located to the east of the junction of the A580 and Stonebridge Lane. The site is located close to the M57, with Junction 4 approximately 1 mile to the east of the site.
The majority of the site comprises previously developed land which has been cleared and is now vacant. There is currently no vehicular access into the site with access to be created from the A580.
The site is located to the south of the existing employment area of Approach 580 East. This employment area is partly built out and includes a mix of employment uses including large distribution depots occupied by HDL and TJ Morris. The employment area is performing well and the built out sites have been developed to a high quality. There are a number of smaller vacant plots within Approach 580, but none of which are of a size/shape to support large scale distribution units.
The areas to the south, east, and west of the site is the largely residential area of Croxteth and there is a residential site currently being built out which adjoins the southern corner of the site.
The site is currently being advertised as a design and build opportunity offering immediately deliverable warehouse units ranging in size from 86,000 sq ft to 690,400 sq ft. The site benefits from extant planning permission (13F/1838), granted in 2013, to erect an 117,497 sq m storage and distribution centre with ancillary office (within Use Classes B8 and B1). Development has not yet commenced.
Conclusion: Large flat site on the A580 close to the junction with the M57 and existing employment area at Approach 580 East. The site is in an excellent location for strategic B8 uses and such uses should be supported at the site. The site already benefits from planning permission for the erection of a 117,597 sq m B8 unit, although development has not yet commenced. The site contributes 22.4 ha to the strategic B8 supply.
A large existing employment area in Speke to the south of the A561, comprising Estuary Commercial Park (where the master developer is HCA) and Liverpool International Business Park (where the master developer is Peel). The Former Northern Airfield site comprises a range of sites for employment uses, the majority of which have been built out and are occupied. The larger distribution units are occupied by B&M Bargains and Prinaris UK.
The employment area is generally of a high quality: the internal roads and circulation is good; the units are modern and of good quality; and the general environment is well kept. Key infrastructure is in place. The site relates well to the city region’s key route network, including the A5036, M58 and M57. It benefits from good public transport accessibility.
There are five plots of varying sizes which remain undeveloped. The vacant plots are 6.9, 5.1, 3.8, 2.0, and 1.2 ha in size. The largest three of these plots could support large scale B8 warehousing, however they would be suitable and attractive for a range of B Class employment uses; with the policy designation supporting B1, B2 or B8 development.