Acting on behalf Chester University, TSG Property Consultants have acquired the former Shell Research Centre in Chester. With 1.1 million sq ft of space in 48 buildings arranged over 65 acres this is one of the largest property deals in the North West.

Professor Tim Wheeler, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “The University of Chester has long been synonymous with ensuring that Cheshire West and Chester is ‘open for business,’ and our commitment at Thornton could bring up to 2,000 jobs to Ellesmere Port over the next five years, together with perpetuating Shell’s distinguished reputation.

“The engineering and technology agenda is very much a growth area for the university and the region and will complement both their existing strengths. It is also a national priority in terms both of education and training, innovation and business, so understandably, Thornton is already attracting significant interest.”

Trevor Sloan commented that due to the size of the transaction it was important that both parties were very comfortable working  together from an early stage.  Being one of the biggest public/private sector collaborations the county has seen in recent years, the move will acknowledge almost 75 years of advanced research undertaken by Shell. The University will now continue to promote and progress research and innovation at the site.