HBD tables plans for 245,000 sq ft Skelmersdale industrial
Proposals would see the complete redevelopment of the Allied Business Centre at West Pimbo Industrial Estate to deliver “much-needed” commercial space.
HBD, part of the Henry Boot Group, has lodged plans with West Lancashire Council for Skelmersdale 245 – a development that would provide 245,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space on the 12-acre plot.
Designed by Pozzoni Architecture, the scheme would include the demolition of the existing 150,000 sq ft business centre on-site. The existing centre is now “outdated and underutilised”, according to a planning statement.
The demolition would make way for the creation of a single building made up of a 230,400 sq ft warehouse and 15,000 sq ft of office space.
In terms of sustainability, the scheme will target a BREEAM Excellent rating.
HBD purchased the Allied Business Centre in April 2021 for £4.75m with a view to redeveloping the site.
The developer is currently working with a £1.25bn development pipeline across industrial and logistics, urban regeneration and residential.
Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, said: “Along with the growth of HBD’s development pipeline, we also remain focused on expanding our investment portfolio – the acquisition of Allied Business Centre formed part of that strategy.
“There remains a significant shortage of Grade A industrial stock across the North West – the huge demand for well-located space was demonstrated at Preston EAST, a scheme we developed speculatively, where phase one was fully let well in advance of practical completion”, she continued.
“This is an excellent location and would inject much-needed stock into the market to meet future need.“
Pinnacle Planning is the scheme’s planning consultant. Also on the project team are TPM Landscape, Sandy Brown, Mode Transport Planning, Tyler Grange, Redmore Environmental, and Crookes Walker Consulting.
Want to learn more about the project? Search for application number 2023/0917/FUL on West Lancashire Council’s planning portal.
