Southampton: Old Ford plant purchased by Mountpark for industrial and logistics development
Industrial, distribution and ecommerce companies have been invited to express their interest in a planned new 450,000 sq ft logistics and industrial park set to be built on the old Ford plant in Southampton.
In a reported £20 million deal, developer Mountpark purchased the 25-acre Transit Van factory site just before Christmas and has already been in discussions with Southampton City Council to build a modern industrial and distribution development.
Mark Webster, head of European logistics and industrial for Cushman and Wakefield commercial agents, which acted for Ford and is now working with Mountpark to market the new development, said: “We would expect the new development to appeal to a wide range of businesses to include local industrial and distribution companies and potentially ecommerce operations from more nationally-orientated companies. Companies interested should get in touch as we may be able to incorporate their specific requirements. I would expect work to start on the site towards the end of the first half of this year with accommodation potentially available later this year or very early next.”
Ford produced Transit at the Swaythling factory for 40 years until it controversially closed the plant in 2013 with the loss of 350 local jobs.
Webster added: "There was a lot of interest in the site. Land of this quality does not come up for sale very often, particularly in such a good location: close to motorway networks and an airport. But for reasons of speed, credibility and all-round professionalism Mountpark Logistics was absolutely the best choice. The company is a joint venture USAA Realco – Europe BV, the Dutch subsidiary of USAA Real Estate Company and Mountpark Finco who are very experienced UK industrial developers. All parties are extremely pleased with the possibility that further employment opportunities will be created on site in the future.”
CBI South-East director Malcolm Hyde said: “This is a positive first step that will bring investment, growth and jobs to Southampton.”
