North West Care Homes buys Grasshoppers land

North West Care Homes has purchased 1.7 acres of land from Preston Grasshoppers on which it will build a new 74-bed facility.

The deal, worth £800,000 includes land which was the Grasshoppers front car park on Lightfoot Green Lane.

As part of the agreement, North West Care Homes will upgrade the club’s existing parking facilities at the rear of the club to create a 200-space match day car park replacing the lost space

Richard Ellis, general manager at Preston Grasshoppers, said: “The sale of this land means that we can re-invest in the club for the future and improve our facilities as outlined in the development masterplan a couple of years ago.

“Our priorities will be to improve and extend the bar and catering facilities creating a café which integrates with the Guild Wheel and local residential community, to renovate the toilets and reception area and modernise the office shop, which along with the new car park will make a huge difference to our members and visitors. It’s an exciting time for the club and for the local area.”

Harrison Drury’s property team acted on behalf of Preston Grasshoppers in its negotiations with North West Care Homes. The team was led by Owen McKenna with support from Rhian Hawkins. John Chesworth acted as the main liaison with the club, being a committee member himself.

Owen McKenna, a director in Harrison Drury’s commercial property team, said: “Preston Grasshoppers’ deal with North West Care Homes makes good commercial sense and gives both parties a great opportunity to give something back to the local community." Work will start on the care home development in April and is due for completion in June 2019. Meanwhile, the work on the new car park has already commenced.