Liberty 196 logistics unit to be redeveloped
Construction has begun on the former Howard Smith Paper building in Northampton to redevelop it into a 196,000 sq ft logistics unit.
The Liberty 196 unit will include: 176,000 sq ft of warehouse, around 15,500 sq ft warehouse office, with a 4,500 sq ft hub office and yard areas on two elevations.
(l-r):Cllr Jonathan Nunn, leader of Northampton Borough Council; Martin Byrnes, senior commercial manager, VolkerFitzpatrick; Cllr Tim Hadland, cabinet member for regeneration, enterprise and planning, Northampton Borough Council; Andrew Blevins, managing director, Liberty Property Trust; Nick Redwood, consultant, Equation Properties.
The site is located at the gateway to the Brackmills Industrial Estate Business Improvement District. 150 companies are located there, including DHL, Great Bear, Howdens, Wickes and ASDA. Over 11,000 people are employed on the estate.
“It will create more local jobs and will undoubtedly attract a well-known logistics name because of its superb location with excellent access to the M1 and national motorway network. We’re very much looking forward to developing the site,” said managing director of Liberty Property Trust Andrew Blevins.
The project is managed by Liberty Property Trust and its Equation Properties and is to be completed by the beginning of 2019. Work has already begun work to demolish the former automated paper warehouse. Burbage Realty and DTRE have been retained as letting agents on the project.
“We are particularly pleased that this development ensures that Brackmills and Northampton continue to meet the needs of 21st century commerce,” said Northampton Borough Council Cabinet member for regeneration, enterprise and planning Cllr Tim Hadland.