Plans in for former BAE site at Radway Green
Regeneration developer St Francis Group wants to build 803,000 sq ft of logistics warehouses on a 40-acre site in Alsager near Crewe, in partnership with landowner Tilstone Industrial.
The companies have lodged a planning application with Cheshire East Council seeking detailed consent to build two industrial units of 208,000 sq ft and 143,000 sq ft respectively, as well as outline consent for an additional 452,000 sq ft of units.
The application also proposes infrastructure improvements including work around the site’s access off Radway Green Road. Subject to approval, the scheme would be targeted to be ready for occupation by the end of 2021.
The plot is part of a larger site that used to house a Royal Ordnance factory supplying vital munitions during World War Two, and which was acquired by defence firm BAE Systems in 1987 for continued production of bullets and other ammunition.
The company has since sold part of the site but continued to lease a chunk of the land under a contract that ends in 2036. BAE Systems also has a 15-year contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, guaranteeing production of certain ammunition at the site until 2023.
The plot that St Francis and Tilstone wish to develop is no longer owned by BAE Systems and has already been demolished and cleared.
The proposals for the scheme, known as Radway 16, aim to create a “high-quality multi-unit estate” and significant infrastructure improvements, according to the developer.
The site lies outside Alsager, with good connections to bigger towns and links to trails and walkways around the Cheshire countryside.
Gareth Williams, development director at St Francis Group, said: “Radway 16 will be a regionally significant industrial warehouse scheme.
“With quick and easy access off junction 16 of the M6, it will attract a broad range of occupiers looking for a quality of space currently lacking in the area.”
Andrew Bird, managing director of Tilstone, added: “As we build a portfolio of well-located estates across the UK, there are several opportunities to regenerate buildings that, on this occasion, will replace many of the former warehouses.
“We will work with existing occupiers to phase the scheme, respecting the interests of all stakeholders.”
The joint letting agents for the scheme are Gerald Eve, DTRE and Savills.
Separate plans from BAE Systems Property Investments for four units ranging between 96,400 sq ft and 17,000 sq ft on a neighbouring 29-acre site between existing residential development and the Radway Green Business Park, were refused for a second time by the council last April.
The site is designated for employment land under Cheshire East’s Local Plan.
