GLP recently announced the completion of a major solar photovoltaic roof installation at G-Park Zevenaar. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex, and represents a major development in renewable energy by GLP Europe. G-Park Zevenaar is a significant solar PV project for the Netherlands. The logistics complex will house
Network Space has secured planning permission for a 128,000 sq. ft warehouse, incorporating headquarter style office space, at Estuary Commerce Park in Speke. Network Space submitted a planning application towards the end of last year for the development on a site that was formerly the home of the first Liverpool
Leading developer Stoford has submitted a planning application for works at Worcester Six Business Park on the southern side of the site. If Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approves the application, it will mean Stoford can begin extending the estate road from the existing business park through to a new
Royal Mail’s Midland Super Hub opens The UK’s leading owner and developer of logistics property, Prologis UK, recently saw the opening of Royal Mail’s largest automated parcel facility at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Spanning 53-acres and totalling 840,000 sq. ft. of warehousing space, Royal Mail’s Midlands Super Hub
Tritax Symmetry has announced it is to speculatively develop a new 500,000 sq ft cross dock logistics facility at Symmetry Park, Kettering: Kettering 500. Main contractor Buckingham Group has been appointed to deliver the building which will be built to Net Zero Carbon in Construction and target a minimum BREEAM
AMA FIC Ltd has secured planning permission from Lancaster City Council for the first phase of new-build works that forms the next phase of significant improvements at Heysham Business Park. Heysham Business Park lies within the Heysham Gateway regeneration area which is identified by the Council for major economic investment
Plans submitted by British Land to build a new multi-level logistics hub in Enfield have been secured. The site at Heritage House, located near Junction 25 of the M25, has excellent connectivity and will cater for the growing demand for rapid distribution across Greater London. The main 435,000 sq ft
Winvic Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) project, building on their success as the design stage delivery partner to Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP). With 8 million sq ft of commercial space planned for the 734-acre
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) are pleased to announce the off-market acquisition of 14.8-acres in Heathrow, West London from Stonegate Homes. The business plan is to speculatively develop a Grade A urban logistics development with a GDV of c.£60m. This represents the fourth acquisition for the Fiera Real Estate
GLP recently announced the completion of a major solar photovoltaic roof installation at G-Park Zevenaar. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex, and represents a major development in renewable energy by GLP Europe. G-Park Zevenaar is a significant solar PV project for the Netherlands. The logistics complex will house a vast roof-mounted solar PV system with a total installed capacity of 16.2MWp. It covers an area the size of 21 football pitches and will save 4,629 tonnes of CO2 in the first year and an anticipated 78,227 tonnes of CO2 across a 25-year period. G-Park Zevenaar is located at the business park 7Poort, located in the established and strong logistics region of Arnhem – Nijmegen which is ranked 5th in the Dutch Logistics Hotspot Ranking 2022. The site is located closely to the German border and along the main transport corridors connecting Rotterdam and Amsterdam to the European markets. G-Park Zevenaar has been constructed to BREEAM Excellent principles and the use of PV has enabled the project to be certified as BREEAM Excellent. In addition, the energy generated will be exported to the grid and part of it will be diverted to the tenant for on-site consumption. Throughout the installation and construction process, measures have been taken to protect indigenous birds and plants, benefiting local nature. Philippe Hendriks, Country Director, Netherlands, GLP Europe, commented: “Embedding renewable energy generation, including solar PV, is critical for investors, developers, landlords and occupiers to achieve their net zero targets and future-proof assets. GLP is actively committed to this change in the logistics sector. The economic benefits that customers will enjoy through the cost savings in energy reduction will be just one of many attractions this project will offer to future occupiers. ” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space has secured planning permission for a 128,000 sq. ft warehouse, incorporating headquarter style office space, at Estuary Commerce Park in Speke. Network Space submitted a planning application towards the end of last year for the development on a site that was formerly the home of the first Liverpool Speke Airport which closed in the 80s, it now lies adjacent to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Low carbon energy, sustainability and wellbeing are integral to the design of the unit which will be delivered to BREEAM Excellent standard. To support this, the unit will feature solar panels, electric vehicle charging and staff welfare areas in a high quality landscaped environment (including a net increase of 98 trees on site). Simon Eaton, senior development manager at Network Space, said: “This proposal will make a positive contribution to economic growth and regeneration, attracting inward investment and job creation into Merseyside. It allows for a wide range of uses within contemporary and flexible space. “Just as importantly, we have pushed the sustainability credentials on this scheme, maximising tree planting on site and creating a highly attractive working environment.” The 6.7 acre site is located on the Estuary Commerce Park at Speke, which is approximately six miles to the south of Liverpool city centre and lies alongside Speke Road. The business park is accessed via Speke Boulevard (A561), providing excellent connectivity to the M62, M57 and M56. It is recognised as one of Liverpool City Region’s premier locations for a wide variety of business occupiers which enjoy a low density setting, superb infrastructure and a location at the hub of a new integrated road/rail network. This site is allocated for industrial and business use within the Council’s Local Plan and it is one of the final plots of the employment development at Estuary Business Park, which is already home to a wide range of international businesses. Network Space is the proactive industrial investment and development company behind a number of key North West projects including the Glass Futures development in St Helens and the £45million Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham where 206,000 sq ft of prime industrial development is currently being delivered across 25 units. Jon Thorne at B8RE and Darren Hill at CBRE are the appointed letting agents on the scheme. Darren Hill, Director at CBRE, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Network Space to market this opportunity. Estuary Commerce Park is recognised as one of the most established and sought after locations in the region and with the supply of new build industrial space so constrained, this is really welcome news for the market.” The planning application has been prepared by Spawforths, on behalf of Network Space, and the project team included AEW Architects, RPS, Integra and Hannan Associates. Alan Lamb, director at AEW Architects, said: “We are delighted to see Estuary gain planning approval. Our proposals are an evolution of Network Space’s successful design approach, adapted to respond positively to the prestigious Estuary Business Park context. With a focus on reducing the environmental impact of the development, our in house sustainability team has worked with the client to embed BREEAM from the outset and carry out embodied carbon calculations.”
Leading developer Stoford has submitted a planning application for works at Worcester Six Business Park on the southern side of the site. If Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approves the application, it will mean Stoford can begin extending the estate road from the existing business park through to a new access point onto the B4636 Newtown Road. Edward Peel, Stoford Director, said: “Following the outline planning application approval for the extension to Worcester Six which was granted in December 2021, we are delighted to announce that a detailed application has now been submitted for the road and infrastructure works. “We are in the process of discussing the works with contractors, which will enable us to start the works immediately upon approval. “Extending the business park has always been part of the long-term strategy. It promises to be another important milestone as we attract new occupiers who want to join other successful national and international businesses that are making a critical contribution to the local economy. “Our strategy to submit planning and start the works is due to the continued occupier interest in the site and we look forward to making further announcements in due course.” An extension has always been part of the Worcester Six Business Park plans, which is included in the South Worcestershire Development Plan. When phase two is complete, it will provide up to a further 680,000 sq ft of floorspace on 61.18 acres of land, adjacent to Newtown Road. The developer is also safeguarding and improving the green space at Worcester Six. It has worked with Worcestershire’s Green Infrastructure (GI) Partnership to create a long-term GI Concept Plan, which will see Stoford putting aside 40% of the site for natural habitats and landscaping, in addition to on-plot landscaping. Worcester Six Business Park is home to a number of major national and international companies, including Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira, ZwickRoell, Alliance Flooring Distribution and IONOS. Once fully developed, it will provide about 2.1 million sq ft of accommodation. For enquiries, contact Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb: Charles.Dauncey@harrislamb.com, or Seb Moseley at BNP Paribas: Seb.Moseley@realestate.bnpparibas For more details about Worcester Six, visit www.worcester6.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Royal Mail’s Midland Super Hub opens The UK’s leading owner and developer of logistics property, Prologis UK, recently saw the opening of Royal Mail’s largest automated parcel facility at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Spanning 53-acres and totalling 840,000 sq. ft. of warehousing space, Royal Mail’s Midlands Super Hub is the latest milestone in a significant growth and development programme currently being progressed at DIRFT. Once fully operational, the Super Hub has the capacity to process 235 million parcels a year, with the site benefitting from an integrated rail link to support intermodal deliveries. DIRFT investment continues with Practical Completion of DC628 and DC327 Royal Mail’s Midland Super Hub joins a total of almost 1.5m sq. ft. of logistics real estate investment on site, with DC6 and DC7 for Warrens Group now fully operational, and speculatively built DC628 and DC327 recently reaching practical completion. The new builds are symbolic of Prologis UK’s outstanding commitment to high quality, sustainable development – achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating as well as EPC ‘A’ rating and being net zero in construction. DC628 and DC327 highlight Prologis UK’s iterative approach to improving design, featuring roof garden spaces to enhance employee’s work experience with an amenity area focused on wellbeing. Second-tier windows above dock doors, designed to increase natural daylight and provide the option of adding a mezzanine floor. Both units are two of the first units to be all electric, with energy generated from solar PV array. Continued focus on DIRFT user’s welfare with new HGV parking facilities Alongside new distribution centres, Prologis UK has further invested in the creation of 130-bay lorry park to provide HGV drivers servicing the park with free, safe, and well-maintained facilities. The new development ensures that HGVs no longer need to park on surrounding roads, enhancing driver welfare and reducing traffic build up. The new area lorry parking provides users with high quality amenity facilities to cater for overnight stays, alongside 24/7 security monitoring by DIRFT’s onsite team and police community support officers. Investing in next generation talent and employment The Hub at DIRFT is a purpose-built training and recruitment facility that delivers job training and career development through the Prologis Warehousing and Logistics Training Programme (PWLTP). The programme, which launched in 2021 recently reached a significant milestone by delivering over £22m of social value through the delivery of courses to people looking to enter the logistics sector. Almost 1,000 people have undertaken free training courses as part of PWLTP, helping match candidates with a wide range of quality roles available at Prologis’ customers at DIRFT. Sally Duggleby, Head of Leasing at Prologis UK, said: “DIRFT is our largest logistics property asset in the UK and second largest outside of the US, so to welcome Royal Mail’s Super Hub to the site’s portfolio is a fantastic addition. With a growing number of customers choosing to increase their operations at the site, DIRFT will continue to go from strength to strength. “As a multi-faceted location, comprising three rail terminals, warehousing, a lorry park, Lilbourne Meadows nature reserve and a logistics training facility, Prologis UK’s sustained investment in the facility’s development is evident.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tritax Symmetry has announced it is to speculatively develop a new 500,000 sq ft cross dock logistics facility at Symmetry Park, Kettering: Kettering 500. Main contractor Buckingham Group has been appointed to deliver the building which will be built to Net Zero Carbon in Construction and target a minimum BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rating. Work will commence on site in July with practical completion scheduled for April 2024. This facility marks the second unit to be brought forward at Symmetry Park, Kettering. In February 2023 a facility of 312,875 sq ft was completed and pre-let on a 15-year lease. Speaking about the decision, Jonathan Wallis, Development Director and Head of Tritax Symmetry’s Northampton office, said: “Our decision to speculatively develop Kettering 500 is a direct response to extensive research into the occupational market which highlighted a supply vs demand imbalance in the 500,000 sq ft size bracket. Kettering 500 will showcase a best-in-class institutional specification, together with Tritax Symmetry’s own high design and sustainability standards. “Symmetry Park, Kettering represents a new era of logistics development, with wellbeing, sustainability and power security playing a fundamental role in the design. It is this customer and employee-based approach that has helped us attract multi-national organisations whose ESG values very much mirror our own and give us the confidence to commit to further speculative development.” James Harrison, International Partner, at Cushman & Wakefield, commented: “This bold decision from Tritax Symmetry demonstrates its confidence in the UK logistics market and the strength of the A14 corridor as a logistics warehouse location. This facility is being built to meet the demand of businesses looking to occupy a building with the very best ESG credentials in an established logistics hot spot.” Symmetry Park, Kettering is located on a 136-acre site alongside Junction 9 on the A41 and has outline planning consent for 2,310,000 sq ft of logistics floor space. Cushman and Wakefield and BNP Paribas Real Estate are joint letting agents for Symmetry Park, Kettering. The project team includes Stephen George + Partners (architect), Trinity Property Consultants (project manager), Buckingham Group Contracting (construction), Feasibility (quantity surveyor), Framptons Town Planning (planning consultants), WSP (Highways and Structural Engineers), EDP (landscape and ecology) and Hannan Associates (Mechanical Engineers). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AMA FIC Ltd has secured planning permission from Lancaster City Council for the first phase of new-build works that forms the next phase of significant improvements at Heysham Business Park. Heysham Business Park lies within the Heysham Gateway regeneration area which is identified by the Council for major economic investment through its adopted Local Plan. The business park was purchased in 2021 by AMA FIC Ltd, part of Crown Oil Ltd, and the new owner has invested significantly to refurbish buildings, remove dilapidated structures and clear illegally tipped waste. The approved works represent next stage of works in its ambitions to deliver new high quality employment space that closely aligns with the Council’s ambitions to see focused employment growth in the area. The detailed planning permission will allow the delivery of four new employment units and a new gatehouse, significantly improving the appearance of the site entrance and kickstarting further investment in the park. P4 Planning is advising AMA FIC Ltd on the planning strategy to bring forward a coordinated approach to the wider site’s redevelopment, which is strategically located close to Heysham’s port and power station. Bill Davidson, Managing Director at P4 Planning said: ‘AMA FIC has worked hard to clean up this once dilapidated employment site and this proposal is a critical next step that will deliver additional environmental benefits and act as a catalyst for further economic growth in Heysham.’ Stephen Chicken, from asset manager SCP Investments said: ‘We are pleased to secure planning approval and are grateful to officers and the members of the planning committee. It has been a long process, but our team has worked tirelessly with the council to bring forward these plans. We look forward to continuing to work with the local and country authorities in a proactive manner because these development proposals, that align with the strategic plan, are critical to economic growth in the region.’ P4 Planning is working with architects Bate and Taylor, SCP Transport, Cudd Bentley, E3P and Gravitate Consulting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans submitted by British Land to build a new multi-level logistics hub in Enfield have been secured. The site at Heritage House, located near Junction 25 of the M25, has excellent connectivity and will cater for the growing demand for rapid distribution across Greater London. The main 435,000 sq ft building will be split into two levels, allowing access to HGVs to both the ground and first floor service yards. The plans provide flexibility of layout, including potential for sub-division, to meet the requirements of a wide range of occupiers and ensuring the building can meet both current and future market demand. British Land is also providing 20,000 sq ft of space at the front of the site to cater to smaller occupiers. In line with British Land’s ‘Greener Spaces’ pillar of its 2030 sustainability strategy, the scheme will be rated BREEAM Excellent, with an EPC A rating. All available roof space will be used for solar photovoltaics which, combined with air source heat pumps, will offset 80% of the site’s carbon emissions. British Land’s 2.9m sq ft Greater London urban logistics pipeline has a gross development value of £1.3 billion and aims to be one of London’s most environmentally sustainable and centrally located urban logistics portfolios. The pipeline includes two sites off the Old Kent Road (Mandela Way and Verney Road), Finsbury Square Car Park, The Box at Paddington Central where planning consent was received earlier this year, and sites at Wembley and Thurrock. To date, British Land has submitted planning applications for 1.6m sq ft of potential urban logistics space. British Land acquired Heritage House, a 200,000 sq ft warehouse, in 2021. The site is currently let to Waitrose and Crown Records Management. Mike Best, Head of Logistics at British Land, said: “Following a successful planning outcome at Paddington Central earlier this year, we are delighted to have received consent in Enfield for our first multi-level scheme. Our densification and repurposing strategy will help address the acute shortage of prime logistics space in London. “With over 1 million sq ft of urban logistics schemes currently in planning, we have exciting opportunities ahead where we can leverage our skills delivering complex developments across the capital.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) project, building on their success as the design stage delivery partner to Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP). With 8 million sq ft of commercial space planned for the 734-acre site, the £1bn WMI Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) will be the UKs largest intermodal logistics site when it is completed by 2034. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, added: “During Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), Winvic has worked for over twelve months as the design stage partner on West Midlands Interchange and with the fantastic relationships built with Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners in that time, Winvic is primed to deliver the first phase civils and infrastructure works. We are known for the successful delivery of similar intermodal logistics schemes, sustainable projects and employment and training opportunities to local people, so we look forward to applying our tried and tested collaborative approach to create this best-in-class logistics park and Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI)” Commencing in 2023, Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects will deliver phase one works; comprising new road infrastructure and works to the existing road and public rights of way network, reconfiguration and undergrounding of energy infrastructure, and the earthworks required to create development plots and landscape zones. John Pagdin, Head of UK Business, Logistics Capital Partners, remarked, “We are delighted to be working with Winvic again following earlier successful collaborations to deliver the UKs newest and most exciting Strategic Rail Freight Site. Winvic’s experience in designing and constructing similar schemes and their credentials in engaging with local and regional stakeholders will ensure that the phase one works will be delivered sustainably and collaboratively.” Winvic will be working to an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses during the construction phase, including providing employment, apprenticeships and trainee positions. An Employment Fund Steering Group has already been established in collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire County Council to maximise these opportunities. In an additional local focus, communities adjoining the site have been consulted on the features for 109 acres of country parkland to be created to the northwest and southeast of the site, which will provide recreational opportunities for local people as well as protect and enhance biodiversity in the area. Robin Everall, Head of Development, Europe at Oxford Properties, commented, “Winvic possess an impressive track record of executing large-scale, complex schemes and we are pleased to welcome their expertise to the project team as we deliver a best-in-class logistics park with occupier demand, technological advancements and environmental, social and governance principles at its core.” The WMI scheme was granted planning permission in May 2020 and is being financed and delivered by Oxford Properties, the property arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS, who acquired the WMI site in July 2021, in partnership with European developer LCP. As well as helping to attract global business and investment, WMI will create more than 8,500 new jobs and apprenticeships during development, construction and operation, boosting employment and training opportunities for people in the Midlands region. For more information on the project visit www.westmidlandsinterchange.co.uk 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
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Manse Opus. Consisting of four industrial warehouses with associated offices, construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) on behalf of Manse Opus, started earlier this year and are due to complete in March 2024. Spanning a total of 1,739,598 sq. ft, the four commercial speculative units will predominantly comprise a cladded portal frame with a CAT A open plan layout and the site will feature an external logistics yard with a level and dock access area and dedicated car parking spaces with electric charging points, alongside landscaped communal areas. Designed to meet a BREEAM Excellent rating, units will be highly energy efficient in design with the application of roof top PVs and rainwater harvesting tanks. Offices have been designed as largely open plan to provide flexibility to prospective tenants, and the architecture has focused on the business culture and purpose of the technology park, reflecting the current variety of highly skilled professions already present within the surrounding developments. The scheme will also entail a large and complex earthworks operation prior to construction with extensive infrastructure works needed to access the plots and associated balancing ponds to accommodate storm water. All removed earth will also be reused back within the site to reduce waste and provide a greater circular approach. Prior to works commencing, great crested newts were identified and relocated, and protective fencing was erected to the perimeter of the site. As part of the wider landscaping scheme, new ecological areas will continue to be developed during the construction and population of the site. Giving back to the local community, voluntary works are due to be carried out at the Grace Academy during the summer, to create a sensory open space for the students to enjoy. Last year, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) completed construction works for Manse Opus, on a new 94,000 sq. ft regional headquarters for Cadent Gas – the UK’s largest gas distribution network. Project Holst marks the second scheme at the park that McLaren Construction and Manse Opus have partnered together for, following more than three years of collaboration. Managing director, Gary Cramp, said: “It’s excellent to be partnering with Manse Opus again for the further expansion of Prospero Ansty Park and we have a strong relationship formed over many years successfully working together. “Prospero Ansty Park is a fast-growing business and industrial hub for the West Midlands, and we’re very pleased to be bringing our client’s vision to life with Project Holst, providing central high-specification commercial office space, ideally positioned to cater to clients in the industrial and logistics sector. “We have managed to overcome challenges with this site – including battling with the wettest March on record in 20 years. However, our dedicated team of skilled contractors managed to stay dedicated to the programme and timeline.” Richard Smith, director of Manse Opus, said: “I am delighted for the third time now to be working with McLaren in delivering this massively important logistics and industrial scheme comprising four buildings between 117,000 sq. ft and 300,000 sq. ft, to be completed between December 2023 and March 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) are pleased to announce the off-market acquisition of 14.8-acres in Heathrow, West London from Stonegate Homes. The business plan is to speculatively develop a Grade A urban logistics development with a GDV of c.£60m. This represents the fourth acquisition for the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund UK (“FRELD”) which has a further c.£200m to deploy into similar logistics sites across the UK. The business plan is to obtain planning and speculatively build 110,570 sqft logistics scheme comprising 3 units ranging from 22,131 sq.ft to 58,127 sq.ft. The units will have 12m eaves, dock and level access doors, 50kn floor loading, and 10-15% office content. As with all assets in Fiera’s logistics Fund’s portfolio, the scheme will be targeting an ESG exemplar specification to include EPCA+, Net Zero Carbon construction and BREEAM Excellent rating. The site is situated on Staines Road, a prime location in West London and benefits from excellent access to the M4, M3 and M25, 1.5 miles from Heathrow Airport and first-rate rail links. Approximately 2.1million people live within a 45-minute drive and the local population of Hounslow has grown by 13.5% in the last 10 years. There is robust demand for the proposed unit sizes and hugely constrained supply as a function of land availability and greenbelt designations in the local area. Jeff Wilson, Director of Wrenbridge, commented “We are excited to announce our latest prime logistics acquisition and push ahead with delivering a highly sustainable scheme with Fiera, which is designed to push the bar and create best in class space for a range of occupiers.” Chris Button, Fund Manager of Fiera Real Estate, commented “We are delighted to be delivering much needed, sustainable high-quality urban warehousing to local area. The scheme will make a strong contribution to the local economy boosting local jobs. We are keen for more high calibre sites for the portfolio to satisfy the capital we have to deploy.” Wrenbridge and Fiera were advised by Regency Real Estate and Avison Young. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
