A major construction milestone has been reached at Cheadle Eco Park, with the timber frame of what is set to become one of the UK’s greenest light industrial developments now taking shape.
The milestone marks significant progress on the £25m Stockport scheme, which will provide sustainable workspace, support around 200 high-quality jobs and establish a new benchmark for lower-carbon industrial construction in the North West.
Caddick Construction began work on the Bird Hall Lane site in March, with installation of the timber frame representing one of the most significant and visible phases of the project. Once complete, Cheadle Eco Park (CEP) is expected to be the UK’s largest purpose-built industrial and logistics development constructed entirely from sustainably sourced timber. By replacing a conventional steel frame with timber and using sustainably sourced materials throughout, the scheme is expected to achieve a 40% reduction in embodied carbon, reinforcing its credentials as one of the UK’s most environmentally ambitious industrial developments.
Designed by AEW Architects, CEP is targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating – the highest certification for building sustainability. Achieving this standard would place the development among the UK’s best-performing non-residential buildings, a notable achievement for a light industrial scheme where such environmental standards have traditionally been more difficult to attain.
The development will also feature air-source heat pumps, natural ventilation and smart energy-efficient lighting to achieve an EPC A rating.
The seven-acre site, previously occupied by ageing industrial buildings, will be transformed with extensive tree planting, biodiverse landscaping, sustainable drainage features including swales and a rain garden, EV charging at every parking space and improved active travel links. The project supports Stockport Council’s Climate Action Now programme and its ambition for the borough to become carbon neutral by 2038.
Once completed, CEP will provide 117,000 sq ft of modern industrial space across six units ranging from 8,374 sq ft to 43,800 sq ft. Designed for lower-impact businesses that generate minimal noise or pollution, the scheme will provide growing companies with space to expand locally while supporting skilled employment, local supply chains and the wider Cheadle economy.
Supported by a £4.4m grant from the Government’s Town Fund, the development is scheduled for completion in March 2027 and forms a key part of Cheadle’s Town Investment Plan. Network Space Developments is acting as development manager on behalf of Stockport Council, following planning approval in June 2024. Caddick Construction is the main contractor, while CBRE and B8 have been appointed joint letting agents.
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council, said:
“You can now really see Cheadle Eco Park taking shape, marking an important moment for Cheadle and Stockport, and for our ambition to create modern, sustainable places for businesses to grow and flourish.
“By using sustainably sourced timber on this scale, the scheme shows that light-industrial development can be delivered differently in a cleaner, smarter way, and with the future in mind. We are proud that Stockport is setting the standard for the region and the UK, while delivering investment that will support Cheadle’s local economy for years to come.“
Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, commented:
“We have made great strides since beginning construction at Cheadle Eco Park, and it has been fantastic to see the team’s vision for this project take shape. With the building timber frame now complete, there is real excitement for this development as a new standard in sustainable industrial development, and this sentiment has continued to grow as work has built momentum. It’s rewarding to be part of a project that not only meets the needs of Stockport Council but also sets a benchmark for the future of sustainable construction in the North West.“
Tony Fox, Technical Director at Network Space Developments, said:
“With construction now well under way, the sustainability credentials of Cheadle Eco Park are really taking shape. Targeting BREEAM Outstanding puts the scheme in the top 1% of non-residential buildings in the UK, and the full timber structural frame, combined with sustainably sourced materials throughout, is delivering a 40% reduction in embodied carbon.
“Every unit will be all-electric, with VRF heating and cooling, rooftop solar PV, smart building controls and EV charging, so occupiers benefit from genuinely low running costs alongside the highest sustainability rating available. We are incorporating high-quality finishes, enhanced landscape treatment and sustainable surface water management, so this is a scheme businesses will be proud to be based at.
“It’s this level of detail that’s setting a new benchmark for sustainable industrial development in the region, and we’re looking forward to seeing it come to life on site.“
Brian Bradley, Chair of Cheadle Towns Fund Board, said:
“The erection of the timber structure is a landmark moment for Cheadle Eco Park and a clear sign that this important project is moving forward at pace. It represents a major investment in Cheadle’s economic future, bringing high-quality jobs, supporting cleaner growth and creating a modern employment destination that will benefit the town for many years to come. The Board is proud to see this transformative scheme taking shape.“
