Rula Developments has secured full planning consent for two new industrial units totalling almost 100,000 sq ft at Winsford Gateway in Cheshire, with one already pre-let as a new headquarters for the Saint Group.
The development will deliver two build-to-suit units: WG74, at 74,508 sq ft, and WG27, at 27,728 sq ft. Both will be constructed to Rula’s high-quality specification, including bespoke office space, car parking and secure yard areas.
WG74 sits on a 4.8-acre site and offers 69,966 sq ft of industrial space alongside 4,542 sq ft of offices. Features include six dock level loading doors, two level access loading doors, a 350 KVA power supply, 61 car parking spaces and a 35-metre secure yard. WG27, on a nearby 1.73-acre plot, will be delivered as a freehold ‘build-to-suit’ unit for Saint Group.
Founded in 2008, Saint Group specialises in floor finishing and interior design services for national housebuilders. With five offices across the UK, the company has experienced exceptional growth and requires larger premises to support its expansion. The new headquarters at Winsford Gateway will also contribute to its sustainability goals.
Steve Turner, Founder and Chairman of Saint Flooring, said: “Our business has continued to grow both locally and throughout the UK since its conception in 2008. As we embark on further expansion, we are thrilled to be working with Rula Developments to deliver new bespoke HQ premises that will support our future aspirations, safeguarding and creating new jobs while generating new investment for the area.”
Winsford Gateway, a 30-acre development at the northern entrance to the 380-acre Winsford Industrial Estate, is already home to around 150 businesses employing more than 4,000 people. The site offers excellent transport links, with the M6 just five miles away and direct connections to Merseyside, Chester and North Wales.
Anthony Clitheroe, Development Director at Rula Developments, said: “We are delighted to secure planning consent for our latest plans at Winsford Gateway, adding important logistics accommodation to the already successful Winsford Industrial Estate which remains 100 per cent occupied.
“We are also excited to secure a freehold build-to-suit agreement to deliver WG27 for a locally founded, successful business like Saint Flooring, supporting its business expansion.
“We recognise that well-located, purpose-built logistics and industry accommodation is in great demand and over recent years we have invested in creating a new and prominent northern entrance to the estate with fully serviced plots for freehold or leasehold occupation.
“We have also invested in creating an amenity hub at Winsford Gateway with on-site facilities including a recently opened Costa Coffee, Greggs, Subway and Londis and filling/service station serving the thousands who already work and commute around the site. A new McDonalds outlet opened in July and a KFC operator has recently secured planning consent within the amenity hub also.”
Rula is currently offering a total of 350,000 sq ft of industrial, logistics and roadside/retail space at Winsford Gateway. This includes a proposed 225,000 sq ft logistics HQ building on a 14-acre site where planning consent is imminent, alongside six trade counter units ranging from 1,684 to 3,058 sq ft.
Previous projects at the site include a 168,000 sq ft factory for Tiger Trailers and a 4.1-acre yard extension for the manufacturer. Rula’s wider portfolio spans over 4 million sq ft of commercial and industrial development across the UK, including schemes in Fulwood and Doncaster.
Marketing of Winsford Gateway is being handled by Legat Owen Chartered Surveyors and CBRE.