CBREIM confirms Solar120 letting

By Liza Helps, Property Editor Logistics Matters

THE INVESTOR struck a deal to let the 120,511 ft2 property to St Helens-based transportation company, John K Philips, within weeks of practical completion but the deal was not finally secured until recently.

Solar120, a former call centre with around 9,000 ft2 of two storey office space, has been transformed under the ownership of CBRE IM, which completed its refurbishment of the site in June 2023.

The refurbishment has incorporated several ESG initiatives. Carbon emissions have been drastically 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. As a result, Solar120 is projected to emit zero kg of carbon dioxide per annum*. The photovoltaic (PV) panels installed across 85% of the building’s roof, generating up to 670,000 KWH of renewable and sustainable energy. 

Wellness has also been a priority throughout the refurbishment, with a multi-use games area, pétanque, and amenity block with showers and changing rooms now installed. Meanwhile, new landscaping has seen the addition of fruit trees, garden seating, walking areas, and wildflowers to support the local ecosystem.

Solar120 has subsequently achieved Carbon Net Zero in Operation and BREEAM Excellent, contributing to the warehouse being named ‘Building of the Year’ at the National Sustainability Awards 2023.

John K Philips secured the property on a 15-year lease. The company’s Chief Executive Officer John 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.”  

CBRE IM Director Ian Fairweather said: “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 re-use as much of the existing property as possible to minimise embodied carbon.

Solar120 has 10 dock and two level access loading doors, 18 HGV parking spaces, and 88 car parking spaces. It is located between Junctions 8 and 9 of the M62 motorway, on Gemini Business Park. 

ECS-Building Services Consultants, John Turner Construction alongside Black Cat Building Consultancy carried out the refurbishment with Harlex acting as development manager. Gerald Eve, B8RE and Moriarty & Co acted as letting agents for CBRE IM. Avison Young represented John K Philips.

Logistics Matters reported that a deal had been secured in an overview of the building in July https://www.logisticsmatters.co.uk/A-hidden-gem-cbre-warrington