Following the successful launch of Sharston Green, Sharston Industrial Estate is to be regenerated in a joint venture between Ringway Developments and Manchester City Council. The 44 hectare estate dates back to the 1930s and over the years has played a key role in the development of Wythenshawe. In 1998, it was identified as a major redevelopment opportunity – to create a modern, up-to-date industrial estate through a phased programme of redevelopment and refurbishment, which will see upgrading of existing premises and a number of new-build opportunities.
Ringway Developments is leading the new partnership in the ten-year plan, and is responsible for the coordination of private and public sector funding, which will be invested in the provision of new premises, infrastructure, landscaping and upgrading of the common areas of the estate. Financial support from the government’s Single Regeneration Budget is being made available through the Wythenshawe Partnership and the first tranche of funding has already been approved. Work has just started on improving the estate’s identity by developing better signposting and creating a significant entrance feature on Sharston Road, the estate’s main through-road. From April, the second element of the budget will be released for infrastructure improvements on Sharston Road itself, including new footpaths, signage and lighting.
Ringway’s development manager Charles Perrin says Wythenshawe is undergoing a period of major change, with improvements to the shopping centre, new housing, improvements to existing housing and the second runway at Manchester Airport.
“Sharston Industrial Estate has always been a major employer in the area. We hope the investment will significantly boost local employment opportunities and the prestige of the area even more,” he explained. “Where possible we are investing in local suppliers – the new signage, for example, is being manufactured by Harbright Signs, one of the existing occupiers in the estate.”
In addition to the infrastructure works, the partnership has started to acquire redundant vacant buildings on the estate in order to deal with historic dereliction. The first purchase was the former Manor Bakeries’ property, whose 1.4 hectare site has been cleared, re-named Alpha Point and is now available for the immediate development of up to 6,500 sq m of purpose-built manufacturing or warehouse accommodation.
European Regional Development Fund and Single Regeneration Budget support has also been secured, in tandem with Manchester City Council, for two other sites which are to be refurbished to provide a complimentary range of small and medium sized industrial units. “Now existing occupiers can see something happening they are becoming more proactive and beginning to invest in their own properties,” says Perrin. “Although still in its early days, one of our aims is to encourage tenants to invest in their premises and modernise their leases and therefore help improve the overall image of the Estate.”
In addition to Sharston Industrial Estate, Ringway Developments has also launched Sharston Green, a 14 hectare mixed-use business park, on an adjacent site on the opposite side of the M56 motorway. Work on a new 9,290 sq m manufacturing facility for local employer Hellermann Insuloid, an existing occupier on Sharston Industrial Estate, is nearing completion. Construction has also started on a new 2,044 sq m unit for Airline Service which is expanding its current operations at Manchester Airport. Perrin says both Sharston Green and the industrial estate are both ideally located due to their proximity to both the M56 and Manchester Airport. The imminent completion of the M60 orbital motorway will enhance the location even further. “With the expansion of the second runway, many airport-related operators will be looking for accommodation for their businesses both on and adjacent to the airport,” he adds. “We are looking to provide these companies, and other businesses attracted by the motorway access, with a range of advanced units and flexible design and build opportunities at a choice of developments, all of which benefit from the excellent strategic location.”
For further details on Sharston Industrial Estate contact Tom Davis of DGI Davis George on 01925 490 490