Timber structure takes shape in major milestone for Cheadle Eco Park

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 £25 million 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.

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 pro;ud to see this transformative scheme taking shape.“

Photo (L-R): Tony Fox, Technical Director at Network Space Developments; Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council; Adrian Davidson, Senior Project Manager at Caddick.