CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) has leased the 120,511 sq ft Solar120 warehouse on Europa Boulevard in Warrington to St Helens-based transportation company John K Philips.
The company has signed a 15-year lease on the former call centre, which was recently refurbished by CBRE IM to improve the building’s ESG credentials.
Carbon emissions have been reduced by retrofitting the building with heat pumps and LED lighting, removing gas supplies and introducing a large amount of on-site, sustainable energy generation, including the installation of PV panels across 85% of the building’s roof.
Solar120 has subsequently achieved carbon net zero in operation and BREEAM Excellent.
John Philips, chief executive officer at John K Philips, said: “In an ever-demanding world of sustainability we are excited to be relocating to Solar 120 as this exceeds the expectations of our clients and will prove a major asset in attracting new business.”
Ian Fairweather, director at CBRE IM, added: “As one of the first refurbished industrial buildings to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, Solar120 has set new standards for the sector. The successful refurbishment and strategic repositioning of the property as a sustainable, high-quality asset exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability, with the intention throughout being to retain and reuse as much of the existing property as possible, to minimise embodied carbon.
“We have successfully positioned the asset as a vibrant and eco-friendly space that resonates with forward-thinking occupiers and their customers. Signing this deal with John K Philips so soon after completion is a testament to the scheme’s appeal and the ongoing demand that exists for well-located industrial properties of this quality.”
Gerald Eve, B8RE and Moriarty & Co acted as letting agents for CBRE IM. Avison Young’s North West industrial team represented John K Philips.
