Maro Developments secures planning consent for 313,000 sq ft Liverpool city region logistics development that it is estimated will boost the economy by £15.6m a year. Tony McDonough reports

Developer and investor Maro Developments is to build a 313,000 logistics development on a 22-acre site in Knowsley.

Council planners have given the go-ahead to Mercury 62 which is located within the 450-acre Halsnead Garden Village scheme. Maro estimates that, once complete, the warehouse could boost local GVA by £15.6m a year.

Designed by Fletcher Rae, Mercury 62 will be built southeast of Junction 6 on the M62, with two new junctions due to be created onto Cronton Road, to enhance connectivity and support local infrastructure.

Property consultancy JLL advised on the scheme which, once complete, will offer single distribution space for businesses in the logistics and warehousing sectors. Work is expected to start in September.

Chris Stroud, director of development at Maro, said: “Securing planning permission for the scheme is a fantastic milestone and something we’re excited to capitalise on.

“JLL’s advice has been invaluable in bringing us to this point, together with Fletcher Rae who designed the scheme and Avison Young who have advised on planning matters.

“With its prime location and best-in-class specification, Mercury 62 is set to deliver a high-quality logistics space that will benefit both occupiers and the wider community.”

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Halsnead Garden Village is set to deliver around 1,600 new homes, 22.5 hectares of employment land, and green infrastructure, including a new country park.

Edward Blood, director at JLL, added: “There are high levels of occupational and investor demand for prime logistics space in the region. Mercury 62 is ideally located to meet that need.

“It combines connectivity with the potential to create jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy. I’m looking forward to continuing our work with Maro Developments, while they deliver on their ambitions for the site.”