Kier Property has acquired a four-acre site strategically located within Sharston Industrial Estate, South Manchester, with plans to deliver a new Trade City scheme as part of its expanding industrial portfolio.
Situated just three miles from Manchester International Airport and 5.5 miles from Manchester City Centre, the site benefits from direct access to the M60 and M56 motorways, offering excellent connectivity across South Manchester, Greater Manchester and the wider Northwest region. Its location makes it particularly well-suited for last-mile logistics.
The site has a long history associated with electrical manufacturing and comprises of a series of industrial buildings that have been added and extended over the years totalling 130,000 sq ft. Electrium (Part of Siemens AG) previously owned and operated the site prior to the sale. The current buildings are no longer fit for purpose and cannot fulfil the requirements of modern industrial and logistic businesses. Kier Property intends to redevelop the site into a modern, multi-unit industrial and trade scheme, delivering 98,000 sq ft of high-quality sustainable employment space across nine units, ranging in size from 5,391 to 34,584 sq ft.
Demolition of the existing buildings is currently under way and the works are on programme and due to complete in winter 2025; which will leave the site ready for construction for the new development to commence in early 2026
The development will target BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings, underscoring Kier Property’s commitment to delivering best-in-class, sustainable industrial assets. The scheme will contribute to the more than 6.7 million sq ft already delivered under Kier Property’s Trade City and Logistics City brands, further reinforcing its role in shaping the future of industrial space across the UK.
"This is a well-located site that gives us a fantastic opportunity to continue our history of delivering sustainable, well-designed industrial space in key regional markets. Our new Trade City scheme in Sharston will be our 60th industrial scheme and will provide high-specification units that meet the growing demand for last-mile logistics and modern trade accommodation, while also supporting local employment and economic growth."
Leigh Thomas, group managing director, Kier Property
"We’re delighted to have advised Kier Property on this significant acquisition within South Manchester's prime established industrial area, capable of accommodating high specification multi-let and mid box sized units. Sharston Industrial Estate is an established industrial employment area which hasn’t seen any new build development for over 10 years. With excellent access to Manchester Airport, the city centre, and key motorways, this development is perfectly positioned to attract diverse occupiers seeking modern, sustainable facilities in a prime logistics location."
Richard Johnson, director – JLL
"We’re pleased to be working alongside Kier Property on their new site in Sharston. The proposed nine-unit industrial scheme will deliver much-needed, high-quality space to a well-established South Manchester location, ideally suited for a range of occupiers. With strong demand in the market, we anticipate significant interest in this development."
Alex Palfreyman, director at Savills
JLL acted on behalf of Kier Property for the acquisition and will be retained as joint agents for the new development alongside Savills.
Kier Property currently has industrial developments in Andover, Bognor Regis, Bracknell, Hemel Hempstead, Manchester, Maple Cross, Milton Keynes and St Albans.