Towngate reveals construction plans for Walkden site

During 2021, the business park saw the relocation of its existing tenants, SWD Premier Clothing Exports Ltd, from the terrace of units 4A – F, comprising 5,500 sq ft each, to the expansive 60,000 sq ft Unit 2. Following the relocation, the block of six commercial properties received a significant investment, comprising an extensive modernisation and refurbishment project.

The transformation took three months, and the scope of works included a complete overhaul of the roof areas, replacement of personnel and loading doors, fresh cladding, installation of palisade fencing and gates, as well as internal decoration and LED light installation throughout.

By the time the works completed in October 2021, pre-lets had been agreed on all six existing units. Among the tenants were Stranded Hair Group, Pirate Packaging Ltd, Village Wax Melts, Decoredge Ltd, and Adler & Allan Group.

Located just off Lester Road, the estate is accessed from Manchester Road West (A6), approximately one-mile due west of Walkden. Junction 4 of the M61 Motorway also lies within one mile of the premises via the A6, which in turn provides immediate access to the Northwest motorway network. In addition, the premises sit approximately eight miles northwest of Manchester City Centre and 3 miles south of Bolton.

Towngate is now pleased to progress the next phase, offering a fantastic opportunity to market an entirely new development of industrial units. Work will comprise the construction of brand-new properties ranging in size — from 5,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft — with generous yards to the front as well as dedicated parking bays.  Derelict outbuildings will be demolished to improve circulation efficiency. Electric car charging points will be added, and the scheme will incorporate wellness features such as landscaped picnic areas. Work will commence this summer and is anticipated to complete during Spring 2023.

This exciting new phase will bring the site back to full capacity, allowing for the creation of numerous jobs — a wonderful legacy to the original Lucozade factory, which was situated on the site, prior to its closure in 1993.

Speaking of the transformation, Towngate’s property manager, Tom Lamb said: “We were delighted to complete the lease agreements on the existing Units 4A – F prior to the refurbishment during 2021. We are now happy to commence our next exciting phase and will be releasing more information on progress once contractors move onto site this summer.”