A Merseyside firm pioneering the use of industrial robots has become the latest occupier to sign up for the award-winning Mersey Reach development in Aintree.
CNC Robotics is to establish an advanced manufacturing facility in the last remaining unit in phase one. The fast-growing company, which provides robots for a wide range of machining applications, currently occupies two units at nearby Sefton Business Park. The new 12,133 sq ft unit will enable it to bring together its operations on a single site and provide space for further growth. B8 Real Estate and JLL acted as joint agents on the letting on behalf of the investor, Northwood Urban Logistics.
Mersey Reach was named as Development of the Year at Insider’s recent Liverpool City Region Property Dinner. Phase one consists of four units totalled 112,500 sq ft, with other occupiers being precision blade manufacturer Hardy UK, Selco Builders Warehouse and Skinny Drinks, which occupied CNC Robotics’ unit for eight months before moving to a larger unit on the site.
Work has already started on phase two which will consist of 12 units totalling 102,000 sq ft. Units will range in size from 4,000 to 30,000 sq ft, with completion due in early 2022.
Thomas Marriott from B8 Real Estate’s lettings team said:
“Mersey Reach is one of the most high-profile developments of its type in the area. The unit attracted interest from a number of parties and was let within a week, demonstrating the level of demand for high-spec industrial and logistics space. We are already dealing with enquiries about phase two, which we expect will also attract strong interest.”
Iain Taylor, Director at Northwood Urban Logistics, said:
“We are very pleased to welcome CNC Robotics to Mersey Reach and enable them to expand their advanced manufacturing business in Aintree. There is a significant lack of good quality industrial premises within the region. Mersey Reach offers a fantastic solution for growing occupiers with features such as 8m-10m clear internal height, fitted offices, good sized yards and electric car charging points.”
Situated on a 13.5-acre site off Dunnings Bridge Road, Mersey Reach was developed with support from Sefton Council’s business growth team, InvestSefton, and is expected to create up to 350 jobs when complete.
Stuart Barnes, Sefton Council’s Head of Economic Growth & Housing, said:
“The Mersey Reach development is enabling fast-growing Sefton-based companies like CNC Robotics to continue to operate from our borough, not only improving productivity in the advanced manufacturing industry but bringing new jobs for local communities.
“Having the infrastructure to accommodate the needs of expanding businesses is what makes Sefton the ideal place for them to flourish and offers a real sense of confidence about the future of business here as we focus on recovery post-pandemic. I have no doubt that the next phase of the Mersey Reach development will bring a wealth of training and employment opportunities to our residents.”