First Deal Completed at Russell LDP’s 2.1m sq ft Greater Manchester Development

Posted by on 19 May 2026

Russell LDP has completed the first transaction at HPARK, with the sale of a 400,000 sq ft plot to Panattoni UK.                                     

The deal marks a significant milestone for the 2.1 million sq ft manufacturing and logistics park and one of the first major transactions within the opening phase of Northern Gateway, located in the wider Atom Valley, supported by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Located nine miles from Manchester city centre, HPARK offers direct access to the M62 via a purpose-built link road, providing connectivity across the North West and the wider Trans Pennine motorway network.

Panattoni UK, one of the UK’s largest speculative developers and part of the global Panattoni Group, has acquired the plot to deliver a new high-quality industrial scheme, underlining continued demand for prime logistics and manufacturing space in the region. A revised planning application to increase the approved building area will be submitted over the coming months, in partnership with Russell LDP.

In total, HPARK will deliver 2.1 million sq ft of design-and-build space, with flexibility to accommodate a range of occupiers, including larger combined units. Buildings will be delivered to a high specification, including up to 18m eaves heights, Grade A office space, generous yard depths, and a power capacity of 32MVA through a new purpose-built substation.

The development targets BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC A rating, with sustainability features including solar PV panels, EV charging infrastructure and air source heat pumps.

HPARK sits within Northern Gateway, the largest single advanced manufacturing, logistics and industrial development site in Atom Valley, known as a Mayoral Development Zone stretching across Rochdale, Bury and Oldham. The Northern Gateway Development Vehicle LLP, a Joint Venture between Russell LDP and Harworth Group, is bringing forward the wider Northern Gateway.

The first transaction at HPARK marks a significant milestone for the scheme. Securing our first plot sale is a strong endorsement of the site’s location, connectivity and scale.

“The deal with Panattoni underlines continued demand for high-quality industrial and logistics space across the North West and sets a positive tone for future activity at HPARK. We are already seeing strong interest in the remaining plots and look forward to progressing the next phase of development.”
Andrew Russell, Managing Director, Russell LDP

Northern Gateway, as a key part of Atom Valley, is a clear signal of momentum in delivering the kind of growth Greater Manchester needs - growth that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in opportunity. Supported by the new Western Access to the M66 and backed by £52.1 million of public investment, we are laying the foundations for long-term success.

“This is about creating real opportunities for the people in Rochdale, Bury and Oldham, supporting high-quality jobs, driving investment and opening up new employment pathways that benefit local communities. By bringing forward developments like this, we are ensuring that the success of Atom Valley is felt by residents and businesses, now and into the future.”
Councillor Daniel Meredith, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing, Rochdale Borough Council

“Northern Gateway at Atom Valley is one of the most significant advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics opportunities in the North of England. With the opening of the new link road to the M62 and the recent announcement of over £52.1 million of public investment to bring forward the new Western Access to the M66, the conditions are in place to move quickly and get building. We are delighted to be working with Russell LDP to bring forward the first development at HPARK, within Northern Gateway, and look forward to demonstrating what is possible at this site.”
Daniel Burn, Head of Development: North West & Yorkshire, Panattoni

Russell LDP is continuing to bring forward HPARK as a key employment site within its development pipeline, with infrastructure in place and further plots expected to come forward as demand continues.