CONSTRUCTION is starting on a large industrial development at the site of the former Rolls Royce engine factory at Hillington Park.

Thirteen units ranging from around 5,000 sq ft to 25,500 sq ft with large secure yards will be provided, available to the market by the first quarter of 2022.

The speculative £132,800 sq ft development, being built by Muir Construction, is on a site of more than six acres and is part of Frasers Property UK’s (FPUK) continued investment in the estate, following its majority purchase in 2017.

Each unit will benefit from low-energy and water-efficient fittings, air source heat pumps for heating and cooling, and electric vehicle chargers.

Grant Edmondson, commercial director at Hillington Park, said: “The Hillington West 100 & 200 development is a substantial commitment to Hillington Park and the Glasgow industrial market by Frasers Property.

“It will deliver modern industrial accommodation built to high-quality sustainable specifications that occupiers are seeking.

“The site has a rich industrial heritage going back as far as 1939 when Rolls Royce began manufacturing Merlin aircraft engines for the likes of the Spitfire.

“Vacant for over 15 years, we are delighted now to be breathing new life into the estate and investing in a new industrial zone aimed at the modern manufacturing, last-mile logistics, engineering and construction services sectors.

“We know the market lacks a supply of high quality, modern premises with large, secure yards. With Hillington Park’s central location in the heart of Scotland’s busiest commercial region, we anticipate strong demand.

“This is the first phase with scope to offer a further 360,000 sq ft of new industrial development in the new Hillington West zone over the next few years.”