Oxford and LCP acquired the site in joint venture in 2021 and will invest over £1 billion to develop the park, which will also provide intermodal access through a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange. The first phase of development has already commenced at the 734-acre site near Birmingham, comprises significant infrastructure works including earthworks, highways construction, water installation and the creation of two new country parks. The first plots will be available for vertical builds from the first half of next year with the site able to accommodate new warehouses ranging in size from 200,000 sq ft to over 1 million sq ft and building heights of up to 30 metres. The site is centrally located in the UK, northwest of Birmingham in the key West Midlands logistics corridor and will deliver significant economic benefit to the region through the creation of 8,500 jobs. It is expected to generate £430 million local economic activity, and £900 million nationally every single year. It benefits from excellent transport connectivity to the UK’s major cities, ports, and airports, with immediate access to the M6 motorway allowing 88% of the population to be reached within a four-hour drive, well inside the HGV single trip limit. West Midlands Interchange will be a technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable development that meets the significant demand from modern occupiers for high-quality, well-located space that can effectively satisfy their operational and environmental requirements. The project is a major milestone in the decarbonisation of UK logistics. It aims to capitalise on the low CO2e output from rail in comparison to road freight, with 70% less CO2 output, up to 15 times lower nitrogen oxide emissions and nearly 90% lower particulate emissions, to support the UK’s net zero targets. WMI could remove as many as 77 HGVs from the road with every freight train, aiming to secure a reduction of 50 million kilometres of HGV traffic annually. Throughout construction Oxford and LCP will be working on an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses with a majority of the 8,500 jobs created to be local. Oxford and LCP also want to ensure that the WMI project includes providing employment, apprenticeships, and trainee positions for those who traditionally find themselves out of work. An Employment Fund Steering Group has been established in collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire County Council to maximise these opportunities.   James Boadle, Head of Logistics and European Strategy at Oxford Properties, commented: “Demand for best-in-class logistics space that’s sustainable and well connected continues to significantly outstrip supply; especially in the UK’s ‘Golden Triangle’. With spades now in the ground, we are at the first step in the construction of this major project that we are undertaking alongside LCP.” LCP Managing Partner, James Markby, said “We look forward to delivering what will be a world leading logistics hub, with a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, while delivering significant economic benefit to the region and nationally, and creating a milestone example for private investment that materially contributes towards a carbon net zero future. Construction firm, Winvic have been appointed on the first phase of the construction. Rob Cook, Director of Civils and Infrastructure said, “Our team is experienced in delivering similar sustainable rail served logistics parks and in working collaboratively to give local people access to construction skills and employment.” For more information on the project visit www.westmidlandsinterchange.co.uk  and https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-midlands-interchange If you have a query and would like to contact the project team, you can reach WMI via: Email: contactus@communityrelations.co.ukTelephone: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on the freephone number 0800 377 7345 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Construction company Bansco has completed the first 41,500 sq ft unit at the £45million Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham. Pre-let to one of the world’s largest logistics companies, Maersk, it will ultimately foster around 50 jobs. Both Network Space and Maersk committed to a highly sustainable development, targeting low or very low greenhouse gas emissions. The unit has achieved an EPC ‘A’ rating and is targeting BREEAM Excellent for the fit-out.   Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager at Network Space, said: “Following the completion of this first prominent unit at this flagship site, Maersk will become the anchor tenant. “Work continues apace on the remainder of the 11.5 acre site, which will see 206,000 sq ft of workspace across 25 units designed to appeal to local businesses and trade occupiers to last mile logistics firms. We have already pre-let more than a third of the scheme and hope to announce another significant letting shortly, which is testament to the quality, great location and sustainability credentials of the development. “Enquiries remain strong and the development will deliver job opportunities, inward investment and economic growth in south Manchester.” Well located on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, it offers easy access to the M60 and M56. Remaining units available range from 2,100 sq ft to 17,000 sq ft and the development has the capacity to create upwards of 400 new jobs and provide much needed speculative workspace in the region. In addition to targeting EPC A ratings and BREEAM Very Good, a significant reduction in embodied carbon was achieved through the construction process as the steel and concrete structures on the site are being reused and recycled. In operation initiatives include renewable energy provision through solar panels and electric vehicle charging points across the entire scheme. Chris Liptrott, Managing Director of Bansco, said: “Bansco is delighted with the successful completion of the first unit on this prestigious development. I would like to thank the client, end user and incredible supply chain for their support in achieving our first handover on the scheme”. The scheme is being supported with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council and with over 95% of the project budget being invested in a supply chain within 45 miles of the site, a significant number of local training and employment opportunities have been created. Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre by Network Space. Will Kenyon said: “It’s great to see Maersk now taking occupation and for the rest of the scheme now nearing completion before year end. We’re in plenty of dialogue with other occupiers wanting to move to the estate, testament to the quality of units available and location.” The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying and AEW architects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

BREEAM Excellent Farington Park to bring significant boost to the region Caddick Group has reached practical completion of Farington Park in Leyland, in preparation for handing over the brand new 544,000 sq ft logistics hub to anchor tenant, Victorian Plumbing, a leading northern-based bathroom supplier. This marks not just the opening of a new location, but a significant step for Victorian Plumbing as it becomes their main headquarters. This facility, strategically positioned between J28 and J29 of the M6, represents a pivotial moment for Victorian Plumbing, enhancing their operational capabilities and bolstering the quality of new jobs in the region. This is a result of a funding deal between Caddick Developments, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Canmoor, planning permission for phase one Farington Park was granted to Caddick by South Ribble Borough Council in April 2022, following extensive consultation with local residents, businesses and stakeholders. Once operational, Farington Park Phase 1 will support 1,100 jobs and take its place as one of the region’s most prominent logistics schemes, serving the growing demand for industrial space across the North West. Tom Park, Development Manager at Caddick Developments, said: “Our Group structure means that we can work seamlessly with our construction division, giving us the ability to react quickly to both investor and occupier demand in unlocking the full potential of challenging sites. This project is the culmination of many years of work from our teams and we’re particularly pleased to have been able to work alongside an excellent investor partner, Goldman Sachs, to deliver this much needed landmark scheme. “The development will address a huge need for high-quality industrial and logistics space within the North West, as well as echoing our commitment for creating spaces which benefit both people and planet.” Construction of the new development, overseen by Caddick Construction, has included a number of features to enhance and increase access to nature. Achieving 20% Biodiversity Net Gain, Farington Park has seen the team de-culvert a nearby river to open up new habitats for local wildlife, alongside committing to extensive landscaping and investing £500,000 to complete a section of the Leyland Loop cycleway. Paul Dodsworth, Caddick Construction Group Managing Director, commented: “Throughout construction, we have worked closely with our Group partners at Caddick Developments to ensure Farington Park serves as a thriving commercial hub for Victorian Plumbing while being sensitive to the local area through a host of biodiversity and sustainability measures. We’re looking forward to continuing this collaboration as we begin the fitout of the unit.” Throughout construction, the team has also delivered a comprehensive social value strategy, including a host of local opportunities for training and employment. This has included Lancashire student, Isabelle Roberts, who undertook a programme of work experience alongside her A-Levels and has since started a Quantity Surveying apprenticeship with Caddick Construction. Efforts to positively impact the local community also saw the project support four apprentices, two work experience placements and a 77% local workforce, as well as undertaking mentoring and interactive career sessions with Bridgeway School. The team also raised £8,000 for Leyland and Preston-based charities, including work with Chorley-based Inspire Youth Zone, which offers 5,000 local young people a place to connect and learn new skills during the school holidays. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today confirmed that it has been awarded a contract by Pan-European logistics and industrial developer Baytree Logistics Developments to construct two new prime industrial units of 76,285 and 145,476 sq. ft at a prominent industrial development site in Leeds. The development to be known as Baytree Leeds is located within the Stourton Industrial area, approximately 3 miles southeast of Leeds city centre and is being constructed speculatively. It will feature a best-in-class specification, built to BREEAM ‘Outstanding, EPC A and WELL ready standards. Construction is expected to begin on 6th November 2023 and take 37 weeks to develop with the buildings expected to be ready for occupation by July 2024. Commenting on the repeat instruction, Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy said: “Baytree are at the absolute vanguard of cutting edge sustainable development creating technology enabled buildings designed with flexibility for future change and with the health and well-being of building users firmly in mind. As such Glencar are delighted to be working in partnership again to bring forward this impressive scheme. This will serve as the third instruction we have received to date following impressive schemes in Milton Keynes and more recently in Nuneaton for Rhenus in what is one of the most sustainably advanced buildings of its type anywhere in the world. Through this our project teams are developing advanced skills and knowledge in sustainable development across a range of technology enabled features, materials and clean air, water, soil and energy. We are very much looking forward to getting on site and delivering an outstanding product that we have become known for. Also commenting Casey Ferguson – Baytree’s Development Manager for the Baytree Leeds development said: “We are looking forward to starting on site at Baytree Leeds and bringing forward the first phase of this market leading scheme. The first phase will consist of two units totalling 222,000 sq. ft, providing premium warehousing in an unrivalled location in West Yorkshire, capable of accommodating both national logistics and urban warehousing requirements. There is currently a significant lack of supply for good quality buildings in the Leeds and West Yorkshire market, and we are hoping to capitalise on this supply imbalance by providing best in class buildings in a market that still shows strong demand. On the back of winning the ESG Initiative of the Year at the 2023 IAS Awards for Baytree Nuneaton, we are continuing to focus on ways we can improve our ESG initiatives going forward, and we will work closely with Glencar to push the environmental and wellbeing aspects at Baytree Leeds. To demonstrate this, Baytree Leeds will be the first BREEAM Outstanding speculative industrial development in the North of England. We look forward to working with Glencar again following the success at both Nuneaton and Milton Keynes, as well as with our joint agents DTRE and JLL.” The scheme has a strategic significance due to its proximity to Junction 7 of the M621 motorway, located immediately to the north-west which links in to the M62 for destinations north and west, and to the M1 motorway heading south. The A639 trunk road provides a link through to Junction 44 of the M1 motorway approximately half a mile to the east. The M1 motorway (north) provides links through to North Yorkshire and the North East of England. Major occupiers close by include Royal Rail, Sheffield Insulation Group, Tuffnells Express Parcels, ARLA Foods, CEMEX, Kloeckner Metals, Steaper Group and First Direct. The Leeds Rail Freight Terminal lies immediately to the north of the site and a purpose-built Royal Mail depot is immediately to the east. For further information visit: https://baytree-leeds.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Wilton Developments welcomed City of Doncaster Mayor, Ros Jones, to Doncaster North to showcase the site, which includes the UK’s largest consented industrial building adjacent to junction 6 of the M18. With Reserved Matters (detailed) planning consent for the first 2.26million sq. ft. of development, including permission for a 1.15million sq. ft. unit, it places Doncaster at the forefront of a unique opportunity. Joined by Doncaster’s Director for Place, Dan Swaine, and keen to hear about the 5,500 jobs which could be created across the 180 acre business park, Mayor, Ros Jones, said: “This is one of the most significant employment developments in the north of England. When finished it will total some 3.5million sq. ft., Doncaster North provides the opportunity to maintain the city at the forefront of logistics and manufacturing opportunities. It will respond to the pressing need for strategic employment space in the Yorkshire region, providing some of the most advanced, next generation, industrial and logistics space, with integral headquarter offices anywhere in the North – at a scale and connectivity not readily found elsewhere”. Yorkshire-based developer, Wilton Developments, is the company behind Doncaster North. Active across the north of England, Wilton delivered the first buildings in the Leeds Enterprise Zone, the Latitude logistics development on the M62 in Castleford, Enterprise 36 in Barnsley and is in the final phases of Turbine Business Park, Sunderland. The company is also bringing forwards Leeds 500, which is the largest single unit distribution scheme in the city, with reserved matters consent providing approximately 500,000 sq. ft. of BREEAM Excellent logistics and industrial space alongside the M1 at Junction 47. Jason Stowe, Managing Director of Wilton Developments, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Doncaster’s Mayor to Doncaster North. As the most significant new employment development in the city, it is set to bring around half a billion pounds worth of private sector investment, helping Doncaster, and the wider region, to capitalise on the associated economic benefits. In Milli+ at 1.15million sq ft we have the largest available single unit consent in the UK which provides a credible and affordable alternative to golden triangle locations”. “DoncasterNorth will create thousands of jobs through construction and after including those in supply chain, distribution and logistics, technology, managerial and associated roles such as HR, health and safety, finance, IT, marketing and support services.  “We are busy discharging the planning conditions so that we are able to deliver buildings on- site within a 12 month period, with units available to let or for sale on completion and we look forward to sharing more news over the coming months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

LEADING commercial developer the Horncastle Group PLC and global crop inputs manufacturer Yara International have agreed a deal to build the UK’s largest speciality fertiliser manufacturing plant in Yorkshire, with Caddick Construction appointed as the main contractor on the scheme. The deal – which represents a total investment of more than £50m – marks the start of work on Phase II of Ozone Business Park; a premier logistics and distribution hub in Howden, East Yorkshire, developed by the Horncastle Group. The building work, to be delivered by Caddick Construction as part of a £28m contract, includes state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, warehouses, and offices that will enable Yara to double production of its YaraVita speciality crop nutrition products and biostimulants, which are vital to achieving future food security and mitigating climate change. Virtually all the output from the plant will be exported to markets around the world, helping to meet a rising global demand for the products that help growers improve crop health and increase yields. Tom Horncastle, Managing Director of the Horncastle Group PLC, said securing Yara International as the first occupant of Phase II of Ozone Business Park was a fantastic result for all parties. Phase One of the development, which is located less than a mile from Junction 37 of the M62, is home to global logistics businesses DPD and DHL, as well as leading family baker Warburtons. Mr Horncastle said: “Ozone Business Park is one of the best located logistics hubs in the north east of England. “Situated a stone’s throw from the M62 and with excellent links to the M18 and M1, it provides quick and easy access to the south, west, and north of the country. This is why the first phase of the development has been so popular with third party logistics providers. “Yara’s decision to locate its new manufacturing plant here demonstrates the design flexibility Ozone Business Park can provide, including the high operational power requirements needed by Yara for their production lines. “With the first plot now secured, we are expecting a lot of interest in the two remaining plots on Phase II of Ozone Business Park.” The development has a total footprint of 295,669sqft and will include state-of-the-art production, distribution and office facilities. It will stand 12.6m to the eaves and has been designed in sympathy with the adjacent buildings on Phase I of the park. The boundaries of the site will be planted with native trees and shrubs to enhance biodiversity, contributing to a BREEAM rating of Very Good. Work on the main building is due to complete in summer 2024. This will be followed by an extensive plant and machinery fit-out period, with the production facility due to become operational by the end of 2025. As part of the deal, the Horncastle Group procured planning and design for Yara, and is now acting as Development Manager on the project. “This is a hugely exciting scheme to be involved in,” Mr Horncastle said. “We will be working closely with our client and our construction partner Caddick Construction to deliver a truly exceptional scheme.” David Tomkinson, Operations Director of Yara UK and son of John Tomkinson, the founder of Phosyn, said: “What began in Yorkshire in 1967 as Phosyn, is set to stay in Yorkshire for the next exciting leg of the Yara journey. “Yara was put in contact with Horncastle who had already completed a development of Ozone 1 Business Park at Howden and were in the process of planning Ozone 2. “This opportunity presented enough land for Yara to realise it’s new Global YaraVita Plant, in addition it offered improved access to logistical networks. Horncastle assisted Yara in the design and civils of the new plant and will continue to support the development during its construction.” Paul Dodsworth, Caddick Construction Group Managing Director, said: “Yara’s new manufacturing plant is not only important for the partners involved, ourselves included, but it is also vital to the region’s manufacturing industry and we’re very proud to be leading the delivery of a development that will boost the region’s industry, job market and economy. “Understanding our client’s ambitions, their investments in research and development, and their production processes all underpin our appointment to the project, and we look forward to applying our manufacturing expertise to this truly exciting project on behalf of Yara International.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals