Former RAF airfield in Cheshire set for 450,000 sq ft industrial transformation

Redsun Developments has acquired a 22-acre industrial development site in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

Known as Hooton Park, the land was purchased from the Homes & Communities Agency and formerly served as an RAF airfield.

The site is located within North Road Industrial Estate, which is part of the Cheshire Science Corridor and benefits from Enterprise Zone status.

The North Road location is also subject to a Local Development Order, streamlining the planning process for prospective developers.

Redsun expects to secure full planning consent for a 450,000 sq ft logistics or manufacturing scheme in the coming months.

Nick Wightman, director at Redsun Developments, said: “This site has so much going for it and we expect it to prove extremely attractive to occupiers, particularly the Enhanced Capital Allowances [under the Enterprise Zone status], which could provide a major financial saving against investment made into their operation.

“There is a genuine shortage of good quality large sized units in this part of the region and we are confident this development will prove attractive to occupiers and investors alike.”

Redsun was advised in the deal by estate agents Knight Frank, surveyors Stewart Montrose and law firm Addleshaw Goddard. Jones Lang LaSalle and Pinsent Masons advised the Homes & Communities Agency.

Knight Frank director Rob Taylor commented: Hooton Park is a well located site within the Merseyside region. There is a strong occupational story here, with excellent infrastructure investments over the last two to three years, and strong availability of labour. These provide the perfect ingredients for being a successful industrial development location.

“We believe this to be a superb acquisition by Redsun and we look forward to working with Nick and the team to deliver a successful scheme.”

Current occupiers of North Road Industrial Estate include manufacturers Plastic Omnium, Less Common Metals and DHL/Jaguar Land Rover.

It is also home to the Vauxhall Motors assembly plant, where the automaker’s Astra model has been produced since 1981.