Construction is to begin at the developer’s £26m Trade City project, where the developer has brought in Cervidae as joint venture partner.

Kier Property, which completed demolition in December on 130,000 sq ft of outdated industrial space at Sharston Industrial Estate to clear the way for the project, said work will start this month.

Trade & Logistic City Sharston is to offer a total of 97,250 sq ft to those seeking trade counter or last mile urban logistics space, with JLL and Savills appointed as joint agents.

The nine-unit scheme, part of Kier Property’s growing Trade City portfolio, will provide units of between 5,300 sq ft and 34,550 sq ft, targeting strong occupational demand in a well-established industrial and distribution location, close to Manchester Airport.

Debt financing for the development has been secured through Puma Property Finance, building on a prior relationship established on a Logistics City scheme in Milton Keynes.

Cervidae, an investment and asset management business based in London, is now on board as JV partner, “reflecting a shared ambition to deliver best-in-class industrial space in supply-constrained urban markets”.

The units will be available in Q2 2027.

Darren Cheeseman, head of industrial at Kier Property, said: “Sharston is a key location for us and an important addition to our portfolio. With strong fundamentals, excellent connectivity and a clear shortage of modern, well-located space, we’re confident the scheme will attract high-quality occupiers.

“Securing funding with Puma Property Finance and partnering with Cervidae enables us to bring this forward at pace and we’re excited to now be starting on site.”