Proposed industrial scheme in Knutsford could create over 720 jobs

Developer and asset manager Chancerygate is seeking planning consent for a 300,000 sq ft industrial and warehouse scheme in Knutsford, Cheshire.

The development, to be called Novus, could create 140 jobs in the construction phase and hundreds more upon completion.

It is located on a 16-acre site at the eastern end of Parkgate Industrial Estate on Haig Road.

Novus is one of Chancerygate’s largest projects currently in the works. Subject to approval, Phase 1 will deliver 78,000 sq ft of space across seven units, ranging from 4000 sq ft to 24,000 sq ft.

Chancerygate is aiming to be on site with the first phase by the summer.

The rest of the scheme would be developed in further speculative phases or on a design-and-build basis. Individual units could potentially reach up to 100,000 sq ft, depending on occupier requirements.

Chancerygate MD Richard Bains said: “We are delighted to see this site move forward. It is a great example of what we are trying to achieve by developing out larger sites that can accommodate companies in the burgeoning SME and mid box markets.

“We are focusing on securing more sites of this scale in 2018.”

The firm’s North West development director, Mike Walker, commented: “We purchased this prime site in July 2017 with the intention of getting on site to build out the proposed scheme speculatively, as quickly as possible.

“The submission of the application is an important first stage of that journey. We hope to be on site in June 2018 and have been extremely encouraged by the number of discussions we have already had with prospective occupiers interested in the scheme.”

He continued: “Ultimately we envisage the development will create around 140 jobs in the construction phase and up to 720 new permanent jobs when the scheme is completed. Hence Novus will make a substantial contribution to the local economy and ensure Knutsford continues to thrive. “

UMC is the architecture practice behind the development. Hourigan Connolly is the appointed planning consultancy. Joint agents for sales and lettings are Gerald Eve and Williams Sillitoe.