Asda has disposed of its regional logistics facility in Wigan to a partnership led by Prime Box, marking another shift in the supermarket group’s estate strategy.

The 322,198 sq ft warehouse on the Wheatlea Industrial Estate has been transferred with vacant possession as the new owners prepare to reposition the site for contemporary industrial use.

The transaction was completed for £14.235 million, with Prime Box acting as the lead developer alongside investment from JD.com’s property arm.

Colliers’ industrial and logistics team represented Asda during the sale process.

Prime Box, together with JD.com, has outlined plans for a comprehensive refurbishment aimed at bringing the ageing building up to modern standards.

The purchasers intend to upgrade the facility substantially, with ambitions that include achieving an EPC A rating and improving on-site power capacity as part of the repositioning programme.

The warehouse is a sizeable, 30-year-old unit that combines significant ambient and chilled storage areas and extensive yard and dock infrastructure, features that purchasers have highlighted as a foundation for redevelopment.

Advisers on the buyer side include Rock Real Estate and ACRE Capital Real Estate, who supported Prime Box on acquisition and technical planning.

Asda’s head of estates Rob Butterworth said: “Wigan has not been a part of our supply chain for a number of years and following the end of a tenancy last year, it made sense to release the property back to the market.

“We’re pleased to have worked with Colliers in the disposal of the site.”

The sale comes against a backdrop of wider asset disposals by Asda as it seeks to raise capital and streamline operations.

Last year the group announced a package of store and property transactions intended to bolster liquidity amid falling sales and pressure on market share.

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