The first transaction has completed at HPARK, the 2.1 million sq ft manufacturing and logistics development in Greater Manchester, with Panattoni UK acquiring a 400,000 sq ft plot within the scheme.
The deal marks a significant milestone for HPARK and reinforces the strength of demand for high-quality industrial and logistics space across the North West.
Located nine miles from Manchester city centre, HPARK offers direct access to the M62 via a purpose-built link road, providing connectivity across the North West and the wider Trans Pennine motorway network.
Panattoni UK, one of the UK’s largest speculative developers and part of the global Panattoni Group, has acquired the plot to deliver a new high-quality industrial scheme. A revised planning application to increase the approved building area will be submitted over the coming months in partnership with Russell LDP, the master developers of the scheme.
HPARK has been designed to provide occupiers with flexibility in scale and specification, supporting a wide range of advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics requirements.
Forming part of the wider Northern Gateway project, the largest logistics and industrial development site within Atom Valley, known as a Mayoral Development Zone stretching across Rochdale, Bury and Oldham. The Northern Gateway Development Vehicle LLP, a Joint Venture between Russell LDP and Harworth Group, is bringing forward the wider Northern Gateway.
Andrew Russell, Managing Director at Russell LDP, said:
“The first transaction at HPARK marks a significant milestone for the scheme. Securing our first plot sale is a strong endorsement of the site’s location, connectivity and scale.
“The deal with Panattoni underlines continued demand for high-quality industrial and logistics space across the North West and sets a positive tone for future activity at HPARK. We are already seeing strong interest in the remaining plots and look forward to bringing forward the next phase of development.”
Councillor Daniel Meredith, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“Northern Gateway, as a key part of Atom Valley, is a clear signal of momentum in delivering the kind of growth Greater Manchester needs – growth that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in opportunity. Supported by the new Western Access to the M66 and backed by £52.1 million of public investment, we are laying the foundations for long-term success.
“This is about creating real opportunities for the people in Rochdale, Bury and Oldham, supporting high-quality jobs, driving investment and opening up new employment pathways that benefit local communities. By bringing forward developments like this, we are ensuring that the success of Atom Valley is felt by residents and businesses, now and into the future.”
Daniel Burn, Head of Development: North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni, said:
“Northern Gateway at Atom Valley is one of the most significant advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics opportunities in the North of England. With the opening of the new link road to the M62 and the recent announcement of over £52.1 million of public investment to bring forward the new Western Access to the M66, the conditions are in place to move quickly and get building. We are delighted to be working with Russell LDP to bring forward the first development at HPARK, within Northern Gateway, and look forward to demonstrating what is possible at this site.”
With infrastructure now in place and strong occupier demand continuing, further opportunities at HPARK are expected to be released over the coming months.