General retailer B&M has signed a ten-year lease with real estate investor Cain International for a major facility in Ellesmere Port, which will be used to manage the storage and distribution of inbound containers for the company.

The deal is one of the largest lease agreements in the U.K. logistics market this year.

B&M, which operates 764 stores across the UK, chose the  674,265 sq ft  facility for its proximity to major transportation networks, including the Manchester Ship Canal, the Port of Liverpool, and key motorways.

Known as Link 674, the net zero facility features energy-efficient designs, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and the use of recycled materials.

The facility will be managed by Firethorn Trust on behalf of Cain International.

A spokesperson for B&M Retail said: “Link 674 at Ellesmere Port provides us with increased capacity to support our continued store portfolio growth in the UK.

“This new facility will operate as an imports centre which will manage in-bound container flow and optimise the capacity of B&M UK’s five existing distribution centres which are handling ever-growing volumes.”

Tim Brazier, Cain International senior vice president, commented: “At Cain, our investment thesis is built on forming strong partnerships and developing high-quality spaces that support businesses aiming to establish or expand their presence.

“Securing B&M Retail as a tenant reinforces our belief in the strength and resilience of strategically located, thoughtfully designed assets tailored to meet the needs of innovative companies.”

James Sanders, Firethorn Trust associate director, added: “As asset managers, we’re committed to creating long-term value for our clients and their occupiers.

“Link Logistics Park is one of the largest and most prominent industrial sites in the North West, and the strong demand from top-tier tenants like B&M Retail is a testament to both the quality of the spaces we’ve developed, and the strength of our robust management strategies.”

B8 Real Estate, CBRE and Moriarty & Co. acted for Cain and Firethorn Trust, with Simmons & Simmons providing legal advice.

B&M were represented by Savills and advised by Gordons LLP.

The site’s remaining unit, Link 114, which spans 114,692 sq ft and is adjacent to theB&M facility, is available for immediate occupation. 

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