Royal London secures 700,000 sq ft Sefton industrial consent

Located within Liverpool’s Freeport, the redeveloped Atlantic Park will feature units ranging from 43,000 sq ft to 210,000 sq ft. 

Having already won approval for 100,000 sq ft of logistics space on a neighbouring plot at the former Rolls-Royce site, Royal London Asset Management was granted planning permission for another 700,000 sq ft of sheds by Sefton Council yesterday. 

Matthew Barnes, senior asset manager at Royal London Asset Management Property, said: “To have the opportunity to deliver a high-quality industrial development to this rapidly evolving and strategically important location is exciting for Royal London Asset Management Property. 

“Atlantic Park represents a significant strategic investment, bringing high-quality, sustainable logistics and advanced manufacturing space to a market with limited supply and rising occupier ESG standards.” 

The scheme, situated two miles from Liverpool 2 deep-water container terminal, on the intersection of the M57 and M58 motorways is strategically positioned for UK, Irish, and global markets, according to Royal London. 

Future occupiers of Atlantic Park will benefit from Freeport tax breaks. The customs procedures for goods entering Liverpool Freeport are simplified and the goods do not attract payable tariffs. The occupiers will also benefit from a deferment of tariffs on goods destined for other parts of the UK until they are shipped. 

Atlantic Park is targeting a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ rating and EPC rating A and is designed to have minimal embodied and operational carbon impact, according to Royal London. 

The redevelopment of Atlantic Park has been more than two decades in gestation. 

Royal London acquired the site in 2003 and began drawing up plans for its redevelopment.   

However, despite approval of proposals for 700,000 sq ft in 2006, the scheme was hindered by the global recession.  

Royal London reignited its plans last year, first applying to demolish Rolls-Royce former factory building – the 220,000 sq ft “Big Foot” unit – as well as two office buildings Atlantic House and Caspian House.   

Alaska House will be retained.      

The Harris Partnership is leading on design and Turley is advising Royal London on planning.   

To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number DC/2023/00722 on Sefton Council’s planning portal.