A major milestone has been reached at Cheadle Eco Park, where the timber frame of one of the UK’s greenest light-industrial schemes is now taking shape. The moment marks a significant step forward for the £25m scheme in Stockport, which will deliver sustainable workspace, support around 200 high-quality jobs and set a new benchmark for lower-carbon construction in the North West.
Caddick Construction began work at the Bird Hall Lane site in March, and the installation of the timber frame over the next few weeks is one of the most important and visible stages in the project’s development. Once complete, Cheadle Eco Park (CEP) is expected to be the largest purpose-built industrial and logistics scheme in the country to use a structure made entirely from sustainably sourced timber.
By choosing timber instead of a traditional steel frame, combined with sustainably sourced materials throughout, the scheme is delivering a 40% reduction in embodied carbon, underscoring its position as one of the UK’s most environmentally ambitious industrial schemes.
Designed by AEW Architects, CEP has been developed to target BREEAM Outstanding, the highest rating for building sustainability. To achieve this, a building must meet exceptionally high environmental standards, placing it among the best-performing non-residential developments in the UK. This is particularly significant for a light-industrial scheme, where achieving this level of sustainability has traditionally been more challenging.
CEP will also include a range of green features, such as air-source heat pumps, natural ventilation and smart energy-efficient lighting to help the development achieve an EPC A rating.
The seven-acre site, previously occupied by older, less efficient industrial buildings, will be transformed with new tree planting, biodiverse landscaping, sustainable drainage features including swales and a rain garden, EV charging for all car parking spaces and improved active-travel links. The approach supports Stockport Council’s Climate Action Now ambitions, including its commitment to sustainable economic growth and its ambition for the borough to become carbon neutral by 2038.
As a light-industrial park, the site will provide 117,000 sq ft of modern workspace, designed for lower-impact businesses that do not generate significant noise or pollution. Its six high-quality units, ranging from 8,374 sq ft to 43,800 sq ft, will give innovative and growing companies room to expand locally, helping retain skilled jobs and support home-grown enterprise. By attracting new occupiers and increasing activity in the area, the development will also support local supply chains and nearby businesses, from shops and cafés to services used by employees and visitors.
Supported by a £4.4m grant from the Government’s Town Fund, the scheme is scheduled for completion in March 2027 and forms a central part of Cheadle’s Town Investment Plan. Network Space Developments is acting as Development Manager on the project on behalf of the landowner, Stockport Council, following planning approval in June 2024. Caddick Construction Limited is the main contractor, while CBRE and B8 have been appointed as joint letting agents to market the new units.
