Press

Northern Trust has officially opened the first phase of its new industrial/workshop development, Gerards Park in St Helens.

 

The 30,878 sq ft scheme, located off College Street was formerly unveiled at a breakfast reception on the 15^th November when Northern Trust welcomed local dignitaries, council representatives, and members of the business community to the new development.

 

Mike Grindrod, Director at Northern Trust commented “Despite the current difficult economic climate, the Board of Northern Trust took the decision to invest in the region and develop the first phase of this £7.5 million, scheme at Gerards Park. The scheme has already proved popular and with a number of pre-lets already confirmed we are confident Gerards Park will prove a huge success. The development offers an excellent product in a first class location, suitable for new and existing businesses looking to start up, expand or relocate to the St Helens area.” 

 

With the assistance of European Regional Development Fund money, Northern Trust plans to develop out the site in three phases. The first phase of which comprises of 21 units split into three blocks with sizes ranging from 537 sq ft up to 3,789 sq ft. Units over 1,000 sq ft also include a fully fitted office. Concrete service yards will provide adequate circulation and loading facilities and there is ample car parking and quality landscaping around the scheme. The development has achieved a BREEAM rating of excellent.

 

Council Leader Marie Rimmer said: “This is a key site en route into the town centre. The development brings this derelict site back into use and is a very welcome addition to our business offer. The site remediation will also bring forward a further 3 acres for the future phased development, and initial plans include the provision of a c30,000 sq ft modern office building which could be available on a pre-let basis. “

 

Gerards Park is located half a mile from the town centre on the main arterial route between the town Centre and the A580 (East Lancashire Road).

 

Sir Howard Bernstein, Vice Chair of the North West European Regional Development Fund Local Management Committee added “This is an important project for the local economy which the North West European Regional Development Fund programme is pleased to have supported. Gerards Park will provide a major boost to the area, creating local jobs and supporting local businesses and the completion of this initial phase of the work is a key step along the way.”

 

The new development will be managed and marketed by Northern Trust’s in house management company Whittle Jones North West, and anyone interested in further details about the scheme can contact the team on 01257 238666.

 

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Notes to Editors:

Press Enquiries;

Northern Trust: Rosalyn Booth, 01257 238555 or rbooth@lyntonhouse.com