In the face of regular market shocks, the industrial and logistics sector across the North West has proven to be remarkably resilient.
Despite fluctuating macroeconomic indicators, occupier demand has remained steadfast – and in many cases, grown stronger. In a market defined by its manufacturing roots, robust e-commerce expansion, and strategic transport network, this comes as little surprise.
This year, DTRE data shows that total Big Box take-up across the North West has reached 2.9 million sq ft, a 21% increase on the full year of 2024. Investment volumes have also held firm at £1.35bn an 8% uplift – reaffirming investor confidence in the market’s long-term fundamentals.
Breaking Records, Rent-by-Rent
One of the defining trends of 2025 in the North West has been the relentless upward pressure on rents. Each new deal has seemed to set a fresh benchmark, underscoring both scarcity of quality space and enduring appetite from occupiers seeking quality, well-located assets.
The headline deal at Trafford150, Trafford Park – achieving £10.90 per sq. ft. – was the latest record set, up from a high watermark of £10.25 earlier in the year. This reflects not just inflationary growth but also growing polarisation between prime stock and secondary assets.
Looking ahead, supply constraints will continue to define the market. Across the North West, only five big box buildings are currently under construction, with all set to complete by mid-2026.
Interest Indures
A key example of the region’s resilience is Indurent 420 in Warrington – a 420,000 sq. ft. Grade A logistics unit recently taken by Regency Glass. Developed by Indurent and advised by DTRE, the unit achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, offering high-spec and ‘Best in Class’ design.
The transaction was the region’s largest single-site lease in 2025 and largest manufacturing deal across the whole of the UK in Q3 2025. Regency Glass’s decision to relocate from older facilities into a purpose-built distribution hub underlines a clear flight to quality among occupiers and reflects growing demand for better quality buildings.
Going Global
But it’s not just UK-based businesses looking North West: another defining trend has been the market’s increasing internationalisation. Overseas capital has returned to the UK regions, and occupiers from abroad are now actively seeking space.
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com is set to become the first major Chinese online retailer to establish a logistics footprint in the North West having recently acquired the former Asda facility in Wigan (totaling 322,000 sq. ft.).
This signals not only confidence in the UK consumer market but also growing recognition of the North West’s strategic importance as a logistics hub on the global stage.
Building For 2026
While new developments remain a frequent fixture in the headlines, the logistics sector continues to face high-profile opposition, despite its economic importance. Local resistance is threatening what little new supply there is with PLP Astley in Wigan, the most recent scheme to come under scrutiny from local residents, even after securing a pre-let to Whistl.
The government has taken strong steps to back new homes and digital infrastructure in the face of NIMBY opposition – but logistics is struggling for airtime. This is despite the fact that every new home built requires more than 69 sq. ft. of warehousing to support the lifestyles people have come to expect.
More generally, record rents, sustained demand and a scarcity of available stock are the trends we expect to continue to define the North West’s industrial and logistics market into 2026. The North West has demonstrated its resilience, and it’s not a market we expect to slow down.
