Alchemy phase one completed

Jun 20 2007 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

LANGTREE Group has completed phase one of its speculatively-built Alchemy Business Park in Knowsley.

The scheme, which was constructed in partnership with Knowsley Council, has been so well-received by potential occupiers, claims the company, that work on phase two has already begun.

Alchemy has been funded through a £2.1m contribution from the Merseyside Objective 1 programme, with a further £1.3m from the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA).

When complete, the scheme will comprise 93,000sq ft of industrial accommodation on an extensive 25-acre site over phases one and two.

Langtree has appointed construction company Bluestone to build the second phase of Alchemy.

Stephen Barnes, North West regional development director at Langtree, said: “Launching Alchemy phase one is a great milestone, and we are very proud of the scheme which provides 44,000 sq ft of high quality industrial accommodation with ground and first floor office space.

“Great effort has been taken in ensuring that the scheme offers both aesthetic and functional appeal.

“This approach has been vindicated by the take-up of 12,000sq ft prior to practical completion, and very strong interest in the remaining units.

“Our confidence is such that we have already commenced works on a second phase comprising 49,000sq ft.”

To celebrate the opening, all the partners involved with the project gathered at the site to unveil a plaque at a business breakfast.

One of those attending, Cllr Graham Morgan, said: “What Langtree has created here at Alchemy is a fantastic achievement and will offer businesses an unrivalled location in the North West.”

Paul Lakin of the NWDA added: “There have been a lot of good, new sites that have come to the market over the last few years in Merseyside. This scheme will help create jobs and further consolidate the level of business investment in the area.”

tonymcdonough