Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the letting of a 345,284 sq ft unit at Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 to warehouse solutions and last-mile delivery business Super Smart Service. CIRRO Fulfillment, operating under the legal entity Super Smart Service, has signed a 15-year lease and
Graham Asset Management has secured an expanded facilities management contract with Solihull Council, strengthening a decade-long partnership. Following a competitive procurement process, Graham has been awarded a five-year deal, valued at up to £30 million, to deliver hard facilities management (FM) services across Solihull’s property portfolio. This builds on their
The Co-op has proudly reopened three of its stores following significant refurbishments aimed at transforming the shopping experience for local communities. The convenience retailer’s sites in Topsham (Devon), Scarborough (Yorkshire), and Tupsley (Herefordshire) have all undergone major makeovers, boasting refreshed layouts and a stylish new design. Each store, ranging in
The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) has launched its 2030 Vision, a call to action for the commercial property sector to lead and accelerate the industry’s sustainable transformation over the next five years. Co-created with the BBP Board and its members, the Vision underscores the urgency of tackling the sector’s most
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the letting of a 345,284 sq ft unit at Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 to warehouse solutions and last-mile delivery business Super Smart Service. CIRRO Fulfillment, operating under the legal entity Super Smart Service, has signed a 15-year lease and will use the space to enhance its operational capacity in the East Midlands, creating around 300 new jobs in the region and contributing £8 million to the economy. The business operates more than 10 warehouses across the Midlands, working with partners such as Royal Mail, Yodel, Hermes, China Post, and DPD to process and dispatch parcels for e-commerce retailers including eBay and Amazon. Panattoni Park J28 is equidistant from Birmingham and Leeds, two of the UK’s largest cities. Located off the M1, the site has direct links to Sheffield and Nottingham, as well as Birmingham via Derby through the A38. Its strategic location provides tenants with access to 71% of the UK’s population, within a 4.5 HGV journey. The park contains a second speculative unit of 231,191 sq ft ready for immediate occupation, with both units benefitting from 15m eaves and 50m service yards, as well as two-storey hub offices. In line with Panattoni’s sustainability commitments, both units have achieved BREEAM ratings of ‘Very Good’, and EPC rating of ‘A’. Andy Preston, Head of Development, North Midlands and Yorkshire, at Panattoni, said: “The M1/J28 is a strategic logistics location in the East Midlands, and Super Smart Service will benefit from easy access across the UK to ensure reliable and prompt delivery to consumers across the country. This letting will boost economic growth in the region, and showcases Panattoni’s ability to identify strategically-located sites and develop high-spec, state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings for use.” Charles Lu, Head of Business Development Europe at CIRRO Fulfillment, said: “Our new agreed lease at Panattoni Park J28 provides a great base for us to expand our operational capacity and reach, and serve more domestic businesses. The size and location of the unit is crucial in our provision of second-to-none storage and distribution, and we are pleased to have worked with Panattoni to find a unit that suits our specifications and needs, and support the creation of approximately 300 new jobs and a predicted £8 million generated in the region as we continue to drive the recovery of the UK economy.” For more information please visit here. The leasing agents are FHP, CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Graham Asset Management has secured an expanded facilities management contract with Solihull Council, strengthening a decade-long partnership. Following a competitive procurement process, Graham has been awarded a five-year deal, valued at up to £30 million, to deliver hard facilities management (FM) services across Solihull’s property portfolio. This builds on their existing collaboration, which began in 2013. The contract covers reactive and planned preventative maintenance, minor works up to £25,000, and larger-scale projects exceeding £25,000—with no upper project limit. It also introduces an enhanced scope, incorporating mechanical and electrical maintenance. Delivered under an open-book partnership model, the agreement has an estimated aspirational annual value of £6 million, with the option to extend for an additional five years. Graham Asset Management’s regional director, Alan Millar, expressed enthusiasm for the extended partnership, stating:“Graham has worked alongside Solihull Council for over a decade, delivering high-quality building fabric maintenance. Securing the full hard FM contract allows us to further enhance service delivery, ensuring excellent facilities for Solihull residents.” Councillor Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, added:“Graham has an impressive track record, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to provide high-quality facilities for our community.” Since its inception, the partnership has grown significantly, with the contract value rising from £2 million to £12 million. The framework has also extended its reach, supporting additional public sector clients, including Sandwell Council, Acivico (on behalf of Birmingham City Council), Walsall Council, Worcester City Council, and Cherwell District Council. By leveraging local subcontractors and suppliers—many of whom have been involved since 2013—the agreement ensures continuity, consistency, and local economic benefits. This latest contract win cements Graham’s role as a key FM provider in the public sector, supporting essential infrastructure across the Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Co-op has proudly reopened three of its stores following significant refurbishments aimed at transforming the shopping experience for local communities. The convenience retailer’s sites in Topsham (Devon), Scarborough (Yorkshire), and Tupsley (Herefordshire) have all undergone major makeovers, boasting refreshed layouts and a stylish new design. Each store, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,300 square feet, now features upgraded refrigeration systems designed to reduce energy consumption. Customers can enjoy an enhanced range of fresh produce, food-to-go options, meal deals, frozen favourites, dairy and bakery items, Fairtrade products, pizzas, flowers, ready meals, and everyday essentials. The upgraded stores also support Co-op’s growing online delivery service, acting as fulfilment hubs for home grocery deliveries through the retailer’s own online platform. In addition, soft plastic recycling points have been introduced, allowing shoppers to return typically difficult-to-recycle items such as crisp packets, bread bags, ready meal lids, biscuit wrappers, and pet food pouches. Daniel Case, Store Manager at the Fore Street Co-op in Topsham, shared his enthusiasm:“The whole team is thrilled to invest in Topsham and relaunch the Co-op store. The transformation is remarkable, and the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve introduced a fresh, modern feel along with an expanded product range – offering quality, choice, and value for everyone. “We’re excited to welcome our members and customers back into their new-look Co-op. We’re here to make a difference locally and continue to serve and support our community with convenience and care.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) has launched its 2030 Vision, a call to action for the commercial property sector to lead and accelerate the industry’s sustainable transformation over the next five years. Co-created with the BBP Board and its members, the Vision underscores the urgency of tackling the sector’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. It sets out clear priorities: delivering practical solutions, embedding sustainable practices across portfolios, and fostering collaboration to drive large-scale industry change. A Practical Approach to Industry Transformation The BBP aims to leverage its expertise, tools, and leadership to amplify impact, embed best practices in decision-making, and pioneer innovative solutions to emerging challenges. Covering a wide scope—from energy efficiency and climate resilience to circularity and nature—the Vision recognises the growing complexities and opportunities facing commercial property owners. By mobilising its extensive network of members, the BBP seeks to demonstrate leadership and ensure sustainability is embedded at the heart of the industry. The initiative highlights the power of collective action, urging stakeholders to work together to accelerate change and maximise impact. A Vision for Industry-Wide Change BBP invites members and industry partners to use the 2030 Vision as a guide for transformative action. By doing so, the sector can unlock the full potential of sustainable buildings—attracting investment, occupiers, and talent while fostering resilient communities that support environmental, social, and economic prosperity. Industry Leaders Weigh In Sarah Ratcliffe, Chief Executive Officer of the Better Buildings Partnership, emphasised the need for immediate action: “With just five years left of this crucial decade, our 2030 Vision calls for urgent and collaborative action. We must act decisively to drive the sustainable transformation of commercial buildings. We hope this Vision serves as a catalyst for progress and innovation, reinforcing the BBP’s commitment to delivering practical solutions with real impact.” Janine Cole, Sustainability and Social Impact Director at GPE and Chair of the BBP, added: “The BBP’s commitment to amplifying its impact, upskilling the market, and embracing innovation is essential in addressing the climate crisis. This Vision will help drive the transformation needed in the UK’s built environment sector.” James Manning, London Estate Strategy and Performance Lead at Grosvenor Group and BBP Deputy Chair, highlighted the importance of staying ahead of emerging challenges: “The sustainable transformation of commercial real estate demands a pioneering approach. We look forward to working with industry partners to deepen our knowledge of circularity, placemaking, and social impact while remaining open to new ideas and insights.” Jane Wakiwaka, Head of Sustainability at REM and BBP Board Member, stressed the role of sustainability across the property lifecycle: “Embedding sustainability at every stage of the property lifecycle is vital. BBP’s toolkits and guidance will continue to raise industry standards and ensure sustainability is a core part of decision-making for property owners.” Shuen Chan, Head of Responsible Investment & Sustainability, Private Markets at LGIM and BBP Board Member, highlighted the investment opportunities in sustainable transformation: “Accelerating sustainability efforts isn’t just an operational imperative—it’s a significant investment opportunity. By embedding sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of real estate, we can collectively reduce carbon emissions, drive value, and create a more resilient built environment.” Harry Stokes, Commercial Finance Director at SEGRO and BBP Board Member, emphasised the importance of knowledge-sharing: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
