Work starts on new shared service centre

Work has started on United Utilities’ new shared service centre at Lingley Mere Business Park, Warrington.

Joint venture partners Muse Developments and United Utilities Property Solutions have started developing the site with practical completion anticipated in March next year.

The UK’s largest operator of water and waste water networks will locate its administrative division will occupy the purpose built centre, which comprises 46,682 sq ft.

Lingley Mere, which is located off junction 8 of the M62, currently provides 380,000 sq ft of office accommodation. The park, which is set within 100 acres of parkland aims to attract further blue chip companies to the area with a further 40 acres available for development.

Phil Mayall, senior development surveyor at Muse Developments, said: “The new shared service centre is a modern, vibrant building that will be a welcome addition to Lingley Mere Business Park. United Utilities’ presence coupled with other significant occupiers, such as MWH UK Ltd and Wates Construction Ltd is evidence of the business park going from strength to strength.”

Steve Burne, director, AEW Architects, commented: "The building is in an important position on the business park, creating a transition between the offices and the proposed high quality industrial and distribution area of the masterplan. We wanted to create a contemporary variant of the existing buildings to enhance the quality of the built environment at Lingley Mere.

“Architecturally, the building combines smooth faced cladding panels with large areas of glazing resulting in a hit and miss pattern. The skeletal, asymmetrical entrance will create an interesting break in the façade whilst providing the focal point of the building."