Clarion Partners Europe has completed a 54,456 sq ft letting to Yusen Logistics at its Widnes 54 warehouse, marking a significant deal in the region’s logistics market.

Global supply chain specialist Yusen Logistics has agreed a five-year lease at £9.50 per sq ft, establishing a new benchmark rent for the area. The Grade A facility holds both EPC A and BREEAM “Excellent” certifications and will support one of Yusen’s existing client contracts in the North West.

Widnes 54 is one of three modern logistics assets owned by Clarion Partners Europe in the town, all delivered in 2022. The portfolio also includes a 395,000 sq ft warehouse let to Kammac Limited and a 258,000 sq ft facility leased to Supply Chain Coordination Limited, the NHS’s logistics arm. The location offers strong transport links to Liverpool, Manchester, and other Northern cities via the region’s established road network.

The deal comes as Clarion Partners Europe strengthens its UK operations with the appointment of Ben Sawbridge as Asset Manager for its 3.2 million sq ft UK portfolio. Sawbridge, formerly an Associate Director at Urban Logistics REIT, will oversee leasing, asset repositioning, and ESG performance initiatives.

Ben Sawbridge, Asset Manager, UK Portfolio, at Clarion Partners Europe, commented: “The supply of modern, sustainable warehouse space in the North West remains highly constrained, which has enabled us to secure this landmark letting. The industrial and logistics sector continues to benefit from compelling technological and demographical trends, and I’m hugely excited to have joined one of Europe’s market leaders at this exciting stage in the cycle.”

Clarion Partners Europe was advised by DTRE and B8RE, while Yusen Logistics was represented by Louch Shacklock.