Runcorn has long been a jewel in the crown of the North West’s industrial heritage, and for good reason. It is a hub of thriving industry with a proud history as the centre of manufacturing, logistics, wholesale and retail. But what is next for this vibrant town? With investment in new enterprise centres, housing and leisure facilities, we explore why Runcorn is an ideal location for your business.
It has been nearly 250 years since the port was established in Runcorn, connecting to Liverpool, Manchester and Staffordshire as part of the Bridgewater Canal and those years have seen industries come and go as the town has grown and adapted to changing times. But one thing has remained at the heart of Runcorn: it's work ethic. It plays a vital role in industry and commerce, and we at FI Real Estate Management are very proud to be a part of that.
We have a range of business spaces at two of Runcorn’s most prominent industrial developments, Astmoor, with space available starting at 12,000 sq ft, and Manor Park, with space available from 3,000 sq ft to 30,500 sq ft. We also have Astmoor Point on the horizon, our new build development that will offer units from 800 sq ft to 5,000 st ft. We have undertaken extensive refurbishment at our existing units and also offer businesses a bespoke fit-out service; our aim is to provide versatile units that suit new start ups, relocating businesses or those that are growing, to help those businesses fulfil their potential in this fantastic town.
One of the best things about these developments is that they are located within an established industrial setting - both in terms of the industrial estates themselves and the wider Runcorn area - but the benefits do not end there.
Centuries of Connectivity
Whether it’s by land, air or sea, for a relatively small town Runcorn’s connectivity is one of its greatest strengths. When its cargo port was established during the industrial revolution, Runcorn became a vital cog in the region’s industry and this is as true today as it was in the 18th Century. Transport, haulage and logistics industries thrive here and investments in infrastructure are being planned to ensure that this remains the case. When it opened in 2017, the Mersey Gateway Bridge bolstered connectivity in the area and the East Runcorn Connectivity Corridor will add capacity for growth and increase development potential in East Runcorn at Manor Park and neighbouring developments.
A Centre of Innovation
Manufacturing has always reigned supreme in Runcorn and, as the most active sector in the town, it contributes significantly to the local economy and job market. But it also makes Runcorn an exciting centre of innovation. The town has moved away from the once-dominant chemical manufacturing towards more diverse manufacturing, including aerospace, electronics and automotive with General Motors and Siemens amongst its most prominent residents. The presence of advanced manufacturing in the town also brings specialist skills investment to the local area, the resulting impact of which is a skilled workforce that serves a growing economy.
Inward Investment
Like many port towns, Runcorn has been hit by its share of hard times. Ever-evolving industries coupled with the rise of automated manufacturing processes, have given rise to challenging economic conditions. The town has had to adapt and with this has come the need for financial investment to ensure that Runcorn provides the local and business community with the tools that they need to succeed. Last year the green light was given for £23.6m of investment in a major revamp of Runcorn Town Centre as part of the £3.6bn Towns Fund.
A game changer for the town, this is set to include work to revive the town’s canals and waterways and improve the town centre connectivity as well as creating new homes and a health and education hub. Plans will also see investment in enterprise and commerce with a new enterprise facility as part of the new Runcorn Station Quarter and a new creative and digital skills centre. This investment is vital and is not only a mark of Runcorn’s ability to continually adapt and succeed but also its deserving place as a thriving hub of industry in the North West.
Visit our properties page to find out more information about FI Real Estate Management’s available industrial spaces in Runcorn.