Peel Ports is working up plans to redevelop 75 acres of logistics space in the North West following its purchase of the former Bridgewater Paper Company in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Peel Ports said the purchase, from administrators Ernst & Young for an undisclosed sum, would allow it to link its holdings at the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal and create a logistical hub served by 44 miles of waterfront.
Andy Martin, head of estates at Peel Ports Mersey, said: “We are very excited by the potential of this site, and there is a substantial opportunity for development and regeneration for the right customers.
“The location, which is logistically second to none, is highly suitable for a wide range of port-related uses including manufacturing, processing, energy generation or distribution.”
Stephen Carr, head of business development at Peel Ports Mersey, added: “This acquisition fits in well with our strategy of continuing to develop Port of Liverpool and the Manchester Ship Canal as a key logistical hub for the UK.
“The success of this strategy can be seen by the fact that, due to levels of demand from customers, we have recently doubled the capacity of our barge service from Liverpool to Irlam and points between.
“In addition Peel last month secured planning permission for a port on the Ship Canal at Warrington, and there are plans for others at Port Salford and Port Wirral.”
