Marshall Commercial Development Projects Limited (Marshall CDP) has started the next phase of construction on its Stealth Development at Airfields, Deeside, advancing a speculative industrial scheme that is scheduled to complete in the second quarter of 2027.
The 193,500 sq ft development will deliver six warehouses ranging from 12,000 sq ft to 57,000 sq ft, all available to lease or to purchase.
In addition to the new units, the site holds planning permission for a further 211,000 sq ft single unit next to the scheme and a 134,000 sq ft single unit at the front of the site. Both are offered on a design-and-build basis for occupiers that need bespoke, larger-scale facilities.
Building speculatively means the six units are being delivered without a pre-committed occupier, with the developer positioning Grade A industrial space for lease or sale as the phase completes in 2027.
Confidence in the local market
Jon Thorne, director at B8 Real Estate, said Marshall CDP's decision to build out the scheme speculatively reflects real confidence in the local market. He noted a recognised shortage of Grade A MLI industrial accommodation in the area, which he said the development directly addresses. He also highlighted that the scheme gives local businesses the opportunity to purchase their own unit, something he said had not been possible in this market for a considerable period of time.
Wider activity at Airfields
The site is also home to an Amazon RDC and a recently completed new papermill by ICT. Retail amenities from Aldi and Home Bargain are in place as well and, according to the report, will serve close to 1,000 new homes being built on the site.
Those industrial, retail and residential elements sit together at Airfields alongside the new Stealth units.
The Stealth Development follows a series of milestones on the wider scheme. A pre-let of 104,000 sq ft to Leviat was secured on its development of Plot D, which comprises three units totalling 180,000 sq ft, and the whole scheme was subsequently sold to Leftfield Partners.
Council response
Dave Hughes, leader of Flintshire County Council, said it was positive to see Marshall CDP continuing to invest in Deeside with this significant new phase at Airfields. He said the scheme demonstrates the confidence investors have in Flintshire's economy and reinforces Deeside's position as one of the region's leading locations for advanced manufacturing.
The next phase is expected to run through to its 2027 completion, with the six speculative units and the two design-and-build opportunities forming the current offer at Airfields.