New building project aims to meet demand for modern office space

WORK has started on a scheme to create contemporary office space in a key Cheshire location to meet demand from businesses.

Alfred McAlpine Developments is building around 70,000 ft2 (6,503 m2) of offices at Oaklands Office Park, a 10.5-acre site on the edge of the Cheshire countryside at Hooton.

This follows the company’s successful conversion of the director’s building at its former headquarters to provide a serviced business centre on the Oaklands site.

The business centre has enjoyed a steady 95% occupancy since it was completed and, with Junction 5 of the M53 just over a mile away and Hooton station within walking distance, Oaklands Office Park has already proved itself to be an ideal business location. 

The new phased project is supported by more than £600,000 from the European Regional Development Fund and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council’s Economic Development Unit helped secure the funding package as the site lies within the borough’s Economic Development Zone along the M53.

The first phase, due for completion in October 2007, will comprise seven buildings available as self-contained units from 2,520 ft2 (234 m2) to 4,960 ft2 (461 m2) on either a leasehold basis or by the purchase of the long leasehold title.

The rest of the site has outline planning consent for a further 39,000 ft2 (3,623 m2) of development and is available on a design and build basis to meet occupiers’ exact requirements.

Alfred McAlpine’s Development Manager Laura Hobson said: “The specialist office agents acting on our behalf have identified a clear demand from occupiers and investors alike for office units of around 2,000 ft2 (185 m2) to 6,000 ft2 (557 m2). The speculative development at Oaklands Office Park will look to fulfil this specific trend.”

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Press release issued: February 19 2007