A BUSINESS has signed a long-term lease at a new industrial warehouse at Mere Grange in Lea Green.

Network Space is to deliver a new 51,000 sq ft facility at Mere Grange, its mixed-use 30-acre strategic development site located close to the M62 in St Helens.

Mere Grange was chosen by the occupier – which has not been revealed – against competing sites in Warrington and Wigan.

Cllr John Fulham, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for growth said the development demonstrates the “confidence” that investors now have in St Helens.

He said: “This latest investment is in addition to the construction next door already rising from the ground and will see further jobs being created, having faced off competition from Wigan and Warrington.”

Construction is expected to start on site in summer, immediately following completion of Network Space’s four new industrial/warehouse units totalling 90,000 sq ft, which are under construction.

The four self-contained, detached buildings range in size from 17,500 sq ft to 26,500 sq ft, although occupiers have not yet been found.

Stephen Barnes, managing director (Development) for Network Space said: “Securing this opportunity is a significant win for Network Space, Mere Grange and the borough.

“All the key elements of the scheme have really come together over the last two years through that partnership and the delivery of this latest building will only serve to further establish the site as a location of choice for businesses”.

Mere Grange is located directly off the A570 St Helens Linkway close to Junction 9 of the M62 and is part of the St Helens M62 Growth Area.

The news comes after the council said it intends to submit a planning application this week to build a link road that would run through the former Parkside Colliery site in Newton-le-Willows, connecting the A49 to the M6 Junction 22.

Barrie Grunewald, council leader, said: “Hot on the heels of the Parkside application and Movianto this investment decision shows St Helens is on the up and the local economy has grown over 23 per cent since 2009.

“Our Local Plan will help to make sure we can achieve full employment, with jobs on peoples’ doorsteps, not just in Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester.”