Stoford starts work on retailer’s new fulfilment centre at Exeter Logistics Park

Commercial property developer Stoford has begun work on a new high specification regional fulfilment centre (RFC) in East Devon on behalf of a leading UK retailer.

The 42,500 sq ft building is being developed on a 2.98-acre plot at Exeter Logistics Park, Clyst Honiton, just two miles from Jct 29 of the M5 motorway.

Stoford is lead developer for Exeter Logistics Park and has a long-term site wide agreement with the Church Commissioners for England to deliver c.500,000 sq ft of high quality industrial/logistics accommodation on the site.

It has secured planning consent and private funding for the new RFC, which will contain several industry-leading sustainability features. They include water and daylight saving controls, PV panels, EV charging provision and a sustainable urban drainage system.

Stoford will target BREEAM ‘very good’ and an EPC ‘A’ rating for the new building, as well as net zero carbon in operation. Glencar has been appointed as contractor and the unit is expected to be available for occupation from Q2 2024.

Edward Peel, Director at Stoford said: “Exeter Logistics Park continues to attract high-calibre occupiers and we’re very pleased to commence construction of this new development. This is a well designed building, offering a combination of high-quality internal and external spaces in an easily accessible location that is perfect for distribution.

“We have outline planning consent in place and the on-site infrastructure to immediately deliver new, high-quality accommodation that is flexible to meet individual needs.”

Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land at the Church Commissioners for England, said: “Today’s announcement marks the latest milestone in our development partnership with Stoford to deliver high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics accommodation across Exeter Logistics Park, supporting employment opportunities and economic growth in the region. The fulfilment centre’s strong sustainability credentials – including net zero operational carbon – closely align with the Church Commissioners’ own environmental objectives and support for a low carbon economy.”

Cllr Sam Hawkins, Vice Chair of East Devon District Council and Ward Councillor for Cranbrook, said: “It’s good to see this new regional distribution centre coming forward with a focus on sustainability and operationally net zero carbon, which is vital and supports the area’s vision for clean growth.

“Exeter Logistics Park is a key employment site in East Devon, strategically located and complements our four sites in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone.”

Cllr Matt Hall, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Economy, added: “As a distribution centre based in East Devon, Exeter Logistics Park is bringing new job opportunities for local people. This highly anticipated building is expected to achieve excellent sustainability credentials which is important in helping us reach our net zero carbon goal.”

Exeter Logistics Park is ideally located for distribution, with access to the national motorway network via the A30 and direct bus links. It is sited near Exeter Airport, with Exeter city centre lying just six miles to the west of the site.

Stoford has already delivered four new developments at Exeter Logistics Park, which include a new DHL parcel distribution service centre, and a 90,000 sq ft distribution unit and EV charging park for Amazon. More recently, adhesive manufacturer Forgeway signed a 15-year lease on a 28,500 sq ft building that was speculatively developed by Stoford and Urban Logistics REIT.

Stoford has also installed high quality fitness and wellbeing facilities on site, including a trim trail and outdoor gym areas with bodyweight exercise equipment.

For more information on availability at Exeter Logistics Park, contact the scheme’s retained agents, JLL and Cushman & Wakefield.