One of Scotland’s best-known industrial buildings is set for a major overhaul after Knight Property Group acquired the Bellshill site in an off-market deal.
The 143,700 sq ft warehouse, known as The Big Blue Shed, sits on a prominent six-acre plot within Bellshill Industrial Estate in North Lanarkshire.
It also includes a fully sprinklered mezzanine floor extending to about 85,000 sq ft, creating space for e-commerce, logistics, warehousing and clothing distribution businesses.
Knight Property Group plans to rebrand the property and complete an extensive refurbishment programme before releasing it to the market in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The detached building has an internal height of between 8.5 and 10 metres, five dock-level loading bays and four ground-level loading doors.
It also includes a sprinklered warehouse and around 3,900 sq ft of office accommodation.
Planned works will cover the external walls, roof and cladding, alongside improvements to the concrete yards and surrounding surfaces.
The interior will be redecorated, while the office and staff welfare facilities will also be refurbished.
Knight Property Group managing director Howard Crawshaw said the acquisition continued the company’s investment in Lanarkshire.
“Having successfully delivered several speculative new build developments and refurbishment projects across this area, we are proud to continue investing in Lanarkshire’s business landscape with the acquisition of this landmark building,” he said.
Mr Crawshaw said demand for high-quality logistics and warehouse space remained strong, while suitable accommodation was in limited supply.
“With continued demand for premium logistics and warehouse space, combined with a limited supply of high-quality accommodation, this property represents an excellent opportunity for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Central Scotland,” he said.
He added that refurbishment would allow the building to return to the market more quickly than a new development.
“We anticipate strong interest from occupiers seeking immediate access to well-connected industrial space, particularly given the shorter delivery times associated with refurbishment compared with new-build development.”
The property occupies a strategic position within Bellshill Industrial Estate, part of Central Scotland’s established logistics and manufacturing “Golden Triangle”.
It lies between the M8 and M74 motorways and is close to the A725 dual carriageway, providing links across Scotland and the wider UK distribution network.
Nearby occupiers include Morrisons’ Scottish distribution centre, DHL, Yodel, FedEx Express, Wincanton, Müller, Renewable Energy Systems, Greenham and MAN Truck & Bus.
Yan Stewart, director at Graham + Sibbald, said Knight Property Group had been able to move quickly on the off-market transaction.
“Knight was able to move quickly on this ‘off-market’ acquisition, with the sellers keen to place the building with a purchaser capable of delivering on its vision for the asset,” he said.
Mr Stewart said the developer’s record in industrial property would help give potential occupiers confidence in the refurbishment.
“Their proven track record in delivering high-quality, well-specified industrial accommodation gives the market real confidence that the property will be rebranded and repositioned to meet modern occupier requirements and attract strong interest from industrial, logistics, e-commerce and warehouse operators, upon completion.”
Graham + Sibbald and Ryden have been appointed as letting agents for the refurbished property.