Commercial : Industrial News
Winvic Begins iPort Rail Doncaster Upgrade for Verdion

Winvic Begins iPort Rail Doncaster Upgrade for Verdion

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has commenced a multimillion pound upgrade to the iPort Rail inland port just outside Doncaster. Works are due to be handed over to new client –

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Winvic and Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited Celebrate Groundbreaking at Former Rolls Royce Site in Liverpool

Winvic and Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited Celebrate Groundbreaking at Former Rolls Royce Site in Liverpool

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public construction and civil engineering projects has won a £35.8 million contract to design and construct four warehouse facilities at Atlantic Park in Bootle, Liverpool for Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited. The

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£14m warehouse plans unveiled as Barberry seals land deal

£14m warehouse plans unveiled as Barberry seals land deal

Commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial has today unveiled plans for a £14 million warehouse development in the West Midlands after acquiring a high-quality site in an off-market deal. Barberry plans to deliver a 70,000 sq ft Grade A ‘best in class’ distribution and logistics unit on the last

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Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Deal with Knight Property Group is one of Scotland’s largest industrial transactions in the past year Wincanton, a leading supply chain partner for UK business, today announces that it is expanding its Scottish operations, with establishment of a new distribution centre, strategically located in the heart of Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’.

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Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Building DC4 at Prologis Park Wrocław III is the largest speculative facility in Prologis’ history in Poland, covering an area of ​​50,000 square meters. Its modern warehouse and production spaces respond to the growing needs and expectations of customers in the region. Meanwhile, a location close to the airport and

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Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Deal with Knight Property Group is one of Scotland’s largest industrial transactions in the past year Wincanton, a leading supply chain partner for UK business, today announces that it is expanding its Scottish operations, with establishment of a new distribution centre, strategically located in the heart of Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’.

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

Winvic Begins iPort Rail Doncaster Upgrade for Verdion

Winvic Begins iPort Rail Doncaster Upgrade for Verdion

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has commenced a multimillion pound upgrade to the iPort Rail inland port just outside Doncaster. Works are due to be handed over to new client – pan-European logistics real estate specialist Verdion – in autumn 2025. iPort Rail sits within iPort, the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub, offering 6 million sq ft of logistics and industrial space on an 800 acre site at the heart of the UK’s rail network and within 5 minutes of the M18.  The terminal extension works will double its current size and storage capacity and increase number of trains that the terminal can accommodate each day, increasing the long distance, low carbon movement of goods. They have been commissioned following agreement with MSC-subsidiary MEDLOG to take over operations of the terminal, which commenced earlier this year.  A specialist, robust reinforced concrete mix has been designed, comprising 45kg/m3 of 3D 55-60 steel fibres. It has the capacity to hold the weight of five stacked containers and is robust enough to withstand the regular movement of reach stackers while limiting both tyre wear and ongoing maintenance.      The extension works will also comprise the installation of drainage and services, the construction of a new welfare unit, gatehouse and landscaping. All activity has been planned to minimise disruption to the facility’s existing customers, which includes businesses based at iPort as well as others across the region. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, said: “We’re delighted that our credentials in constructing Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges and our expertise in pouring robust, reinforced concrete slabs has resulted in Verdion putting their trust in us to complete these works. We look forward to working closely with the team over the next few months as we deliver the scheme safely and swiftly.” John Clements, Executive Director of Verdion, said: “There is significant untapped potential here at iPort to increase rail freight provision and support national and international supply chains. Our agreement with MEDLOG creates a strong platform for future growth and we are pleased to be making good progress with the appointment of Winvic and its start on site.” RLB is advising on Project Management, Cost Management and Quality Control. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic and Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited Celebrate Groundbreaking at Former Rolls Royce Site in Liverpool

Winvic and Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited Celebrate Groundbreaking at Former Rolls Royce Site in Liverpool

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public construction and civil engineering projects has won a £35.8 million contract to design and construct four warehouse facilities at Atlantic Park in Bootle, Liverpool for Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited. The companies celebrated the start of the 41-week programme at a groundbreaking event. Atlantic Park is 52-acres and is the former site of the Rolls Royce Engineering Works Factory and other industrial and commercial buildings. Winvic will first be excavating existing concrete slabs and preparing the ground for construction. The four industrial warehouse units are 40,000 sq ft, 50,000 sq ft, 110,000 sq ft and 125,000 sq ft and each will comprise two-storey office space. The scheme has been designed in accordance with Royal London’s Sustainability Strategy, which aims for new build property developments to achieve Net Zero by 2030. Winvic will be delivering the project as Net Zero Carbon in Construction and employing its tried and tested Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process, which is aligned with the UKGBC and LETI, and third-party verified. As part of the design strategy, 30 per cent GGBS will replace in situ concrete, 98 per cent recycled scrap metal will be utilised in the reinforcement steel and water recycling will reduce mains water use by 40 per cent compared to the BREEAM target. BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating is being targeted and the project will deliver a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain; bird, bat and insect nest boxes will also be installed. The project delivery also includes the installation of new services, separate concrete service yards an access road and all hard and soft landscaping. 20 per cent of the car parking spaces will be enabled for electric vehicles. In line with Winvic’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in communities local to projects and S106 requirements, the contractor has developed an Employment and Skills Plan. Winvic will continue to work closely with Sefton@work and InvestSefton – as well as its supply chain partners – to match employment and training opportunities with people from the local area and collaborate with local education providers to provide career talks and work experience placements.   Danny Nelson, Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, commented: “We’re delighted to have impressed the Royal London team during the tender process and are ready to deliver four industrial facilities as Net Zero in construction for our new client. I’d like to thank them so far for a great start. Our social value team has also begun planning and will be using their collaborative skills to bring benefits to local people. The site isn’t without its challenges due its former use, but we have successfully remediated the ground on numerous projects and are confident to deliver the scheme by the end of 2024.” Matthew Barnes, Senior Asset Manager from Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited, added: “We are pleased to be partnering with Winvic to deliver the next important phase of the Atlantic Park master plan, bringing much needed employment and economic growth to the northwest region. The scheme will showcase Royal London’s commitment to its sustainability principles and its ambition to create real long-term investment value for its members.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni starts 644,000 sq ft net zero carbon logistics development in Sittingbourne

Panattoni starts 644,000 sq ft net zero carbon logistics development in Sittingbourne

Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun developing a 644,000 sq ft net zero carbon logistics park in Sittingbourne.  The development, called Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, comprises two units of 440,000 sq ft (S440) and 205,000 sq ft (S205). Panattoni acquired the 26-acre site in the fourth quarter of 2023 and completion is expected in the first quarter of 2025. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is targeting net zero carbon development with an expected BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. Both units are to be developed with enhanced sustainability measures within the base specification, including the installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic panelling and electric vehicle charging points. The site has 5MVa of power available, with a further 1.35MVa of power generated from the use of the solar panelling totalling 6.35MVa of power across the park. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is strategically positioned between London and Dover, four miles north of junction 5 of the M2. The development provides convenient access to major national and international transport routes, with the port of Dover less than an hour away and easy connectivity to the M2, M20 and M25 motorways. Alex Mitchell, Development Manager at Panattoni, said: “Panattoni Park Sittingbourne provides occupiers with high-quality, modern logistics space with significantly enhanced sustainability credentials. We are pleased to be under construction having purchased the site in September 2023 and look forward to delivering the units in the first quarter of 2025. “The development of the site highlights our continued strategy to speculatively develop within under supply markets , capturing the sustained level of occupier demand for logistics assets with seamless connectivity to local, national and international distribution routes”. Agents at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne are Avison Young, Savills and CBRE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£14m warehouse plans unveiled as Barberry seals land deal

£14m warehouse plans unveiled as Barberry seals land deal

Commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial has today unveiled plans for a £14 million warehouse development in the West Midlands after acquiring a high-quality site in an off-market deal. Barberry plans to deliver a 70,000 sq ft Grade A ‘best in class’ distribution and logistics unit on the last site at Quinton Business Park, Ridgeway, Birmingham, after acquiring the land for an undisclosed sum. The company – one of the UK’s leading developers of mid-box industrial units – exchanged contracts within two weeks of instructing solicitors and completed the deal earlier this month, according to development director Jon Robinson. “Our acquisition of this prime site at Junction 3 of the M5 Quinton Business Park is the latest significant investment by Barberry. The acquisition demonstrates the strong financial position of the company, our ability to transact quickly and our continued commitment to the mid-box industrial and logistics sector in key strategic locations. “Importantly, the development of a best-in-class 70,000 sq ft unit will help to address the ongoing shortage of new, high quality mid-box industrial/logistics accommodation in the West Midlands. Our building will be designed to enable businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and deliver financial savings across their operations. Barberry strives to help create flexible space to work while promoting staff wellness, delivering quality accommodation that local, regional and national businesses need in order to expand their operations within the Midlands, delivering new jobs and attracting investment,” said Jon. The site is already allocated for employment uses and Barberry intends to submit a detailed application to Birmingham City Council in May for planning permission for a c:70,000 sq ft unit with a focus on sustainability, built to exceptional ESG standards, targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent accreditation including electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, green initiatives and wildlife walks around the site. Jon added: “We are excited at the prospect of delivering another high quality warehouse and distribution unit. The building will be available for occupiers’ requirements on either a freehold or leasehold basis.” Agents Savills and M1 Agency will be the retained agents acting for Barberry. Quinton Business Park is an established and prestigious business park situated adjacent to junction 3 of the M5 and on a main arterial route (A456) five miles south-west of Birmingham city centre. It hosts a range of corporate occupiers including Wates Construction, Highways Agency, Police Complaints Commission, VTG Rail, ADT, Lindner Prater and Serco. Barberry has a 2.4 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £395 million. The company has 500 acres of strategic residential and employment development land across 12 sites under its control and a growing income producing commercial and residential portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Deal with Knight Property Group is one of Scotland’s largest industrial transactions in the past year Wincanton, a leading supply chain partner for UK business, today announces that it is expanding its Scottish operations, with establishment of a new distribution centre, strategically located in the heart of Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’. The company has secured a 15-year lease for the brand new 126,960 sq ft unit at the award-winning Belgrave Logistics Park, in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.  This significant transaction, agreed with developer and landlord, Knight Property Group, marks one of the largest industrial deals completed in Scotland this year and the largest letting of a speculative new build since 2018 for the Greater Glasgow market. This deal signifies Wincanton’s continued growth and commitment to Scotland. It follows the successful launch of their Scottish Gateway hub in Motherwell just last April, spanning an impressive 153,000 sq ft. The new distribution centre in Bellshill is strategically positioned, only six miles away from the Motherwell hub. It will cater to the demands of an expanding client base, underlining Wincanton’s dedication to enhancing operational efficiencies and service capabilities nationwide. Derek Stirling, Country Manager for Scotland at Wincanton, said: “This new distribution centre, our second in Scotland within two years, reinforces our long-term commitment to Scotland and promises enhanced services and efficiencies for our customers and partners across the country. “We are delighted with the high-quality space and accessibility of our new facility at Belgrave, conveniently located in close proximity to our existing hub in Motherwell.” James Barrack, Chairman and Founder of Knight Property Group added: “Securing Wincanton for the largest unit at Belgrave underpins and reinforces our strategy of committing to the speculative development of the best units in the best locations across Scotland. With lettings already secured with Likewise Group and RES at the park, the last two units are seeing high levels of interest and we hope to be able to place them under offer very soon.” Belgrave Logistics Park, a £55m brand new speculative development by Knight Property boasts a total area of 261,193 sq ft across five buildings. Wincanton’s unit is designed to a high specification, featuring high-performance composite wall and roof cladding, an internal height of 12 meters, four level access doors, and 16 dock levellers. Additionally, it includes a 2,870 sq ft office space, 63 car parking spaces, and an expansive 55-metre deep yard. It stands out as one of the greenest industrial/logistics parks in Scotland, boasting ‘all-electric’ buildings with impressive environmental credentials such as an EPC rating of ‘A+’ and a BREEAM ‘excellent rating’. The park also features electric car charging points, solar photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, heat recovery air conditioning, and water management systems for conservation. Alan Gilkison, Managing Partner of Ryden said: “This deal represents one of the largest industrial transactions to be concluded in Scotland over the past year, showcasing Knight Property Group’s commitment to delivering quality speculative developments in key geographical areas. With three out of the five units already let at Belgrave Logistics Park, strong occupier interest is noted for the remaining space.” Ross Sinclair, Director of Savills added: “It was a pleasure to see Wincanton and Knight act transparently and expediently throughout this transaction as this was critical in achieving the eventual successful outcome to meet the objectives of Landlord and Tenant alike.” Ryden and JLL are agents for Knight Property Group, whilst Savills represented Wincanton. The project architect was SPACE Solutions, the engineer was Fairhurst, QS/ CA was Axiom, Wallace Whittle were M&E, with the main contractor Clark Contracts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Building DC4 at Prologis Park Wrocław III is the largest speculative facility in Prologis’ history in Poland, covering an area of ​​50,000 square meters. Its modern warehouse and production spaces respond to the growing needs and expectations of customers in the region. Meanwhile, a location close to the airport and the city ring road, together with excellent transport connections, are important advantages appreciated by current and potential customers.  DC4 also stands out for its functionality and wide range of services designed with employee comfort in mind, implemented in line with sustainable principles. The unique attractiveness of the building is confirmed by the fact that it was almost fully rented just 6 months after becoming operational. The last available space in DC4 covers an area of ​​7,700 square meters, including the possibility to add an office to any lease arrangement. DC4’s innovative solutions have now led to it receiving BREEAM environmental certification at the “Excellent” level. The building meets over 70% of BREEAM requirements set out within a complex, multi-criteria system for assessing buildings’ environmental performance. This provides significant competitive advantage, given that an increasing number of market leaders pay close attention to the environmental certification of their spaces. “BREEAM certification at the “Excellent” level for DC4 in Prologis Park Wrocław III is the result of our continuous commitment to developing properties in line with the highest standards of sustainable construction. We are very proud to create spaces that not only meet the needs of today’s business, but also help protect the environment,” says Marcin Kruszewski, Leasing & Customer Experience Manager at Prologis. A place with a future Building DC4 offers modern, energy-saving solutions that ensure high operational efficiency. The warehouse space has a clear height of 12 m, a reinforced floor load-bearing capacity of up to 10 t/m2, and enhanced wall and roof insulation. For greater safety and to protect the well-being of employees, the warehouse and office areas are illuminated with a high-quality LED lighting system. Intelligent lighting systems are implemented, with motion sensors programed to meet all customer needs while cutting electricity costs. An employee-friendly place Prologis Park Wrocław III is carefully designed to meet the needs of customers’ employees. The space offers numerous parking spaces for cars and trucks, while for those who prefer other means of transport, there are bicycle shelters and repair points, as well as electric vehicle charging stations. The park is also served by great access to public transport. Within PARKLife™ program, Prologis Park Wrocław III provides numerous amenities for employees, including rest areas and innovative outdoor BookBox libraries. A place with the environment in mind Prologis consistently strives to create sustainable logistics properties. As such, building DC4 is equipped with skylights and window panels on the façade which provide up to 12.5% ​natural daylight indoors. The building also features photovoltaic panels and solar collectors. Whether it’s about taking care to help a customer’s business or building warehouses in accordance with sustainable development principles, kept promises are… Made in Prologis. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Deal with Knight Property Group is one of Scotland’s largest industrial transactions in the past year Wincanton, a leading supply chain partner for UK business, today announces that it is expanding its Scottish operations, with establishment of a new distribution centre, strategically located in the heart of Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’. The company has secured a 15-year lease for the brand new 126,960 sq ft unit at the award-winning Belgrave Logistics Park, in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.  This significant transaction, agreed with developer and landlord, Knight Property Group, marks one of the largest industrial deals completed in Scotland this year and the largest letting of a speculative new build since 2018 for the Greater Glasgow market. This deal signifies Wincanton’s continued growth and commitment to Scotland. It follows the successful launch of their Scottish Gateway hub in Motherwell just last April, spanning an impressive 153,000 sq ft. The new distribution centre in Bellshill is strategically positioned, only six miles away from the Motherwell hub. It will cater to the demands of an expanding client base, underlining Wincanton’s dedication to enhancing operational efficiencies and service capabilities nationwide. Derek Stirling, Country Manager for Scotland at Wincanton, said: “This new distribution centre, our second in Scotland within two years, reinforces our long-term commitment to Scotland and promises enhanced services and efficiencies for our customers and partners across the country. “We are delighted with the high-quality space and accessibility of our new facility at Belgrave, conveniently located in close proximity to our existing hub in Motherwell.” James Barrack, Chairman and Founder of Knight Property Group added: “Securing Wincanton for the largest unit at Belgrave underpins and reinforces our strategy of committing to the speculative development of the best units in the best locations across Scotland. With lettings already secured with Likewise Group and RES at the park, the last two units are seeing high levels of interest and we hope to be able to place them under offer very soon.” Belgrave Logistics Park, a £55m brand new speculative development by Knight Property boasts a total area of 261,193 sq ft across five buildings. Wincanton’s unit is designed to a high specification, featuring high-performance composite wall and roof cladding, an internal height of 12 meters, four level access doors, and 16 dock levellers. Additionally, it includes a 2,870 sq ft office space, 63 car parking spaces, and an expansive 55-metre deep yard. It stands out as one of the greenest industrial/logistics parks in Scotland, boasting ‘all-electric’ buildings with impressive environmental credentials such as an EPC rating of ‘A+’ and a BREEAM ‘excellent rating’. The park also features electric car charging points, solar photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, heat recovery air conditioning, and water management systems for conservation. Alan Gilkison, Managing Partner of Ryden said: “This deal represents one of the largest industrial transactions to be concluded in Scotland over the past year, showcasing Knight Property Group’s commitment to delivering quality speculative developments in key geographical areas. With three out of the five units already let at Belgrave Logistics Park, strong occupier interest is noted for the remaining space.” Ross Sinclair, Director of Savills added: “It was a pleasure to see Wincanton and Knight act transparently and expediently throughout this transaction as this was critical in achieving the eventual successful outcome to meet the objectives of Landlord and Tenant alike.” Ryden and JLL are agents for Knight Property Group, whilst Savills represented Wincanton. The project architect was SPACE Solutions, the engineer was Fairhurst, QS/ CA was Axiom, Wallace Whittle were M&E, with the main contractor Clark Contracts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Food Service Logistics takes 161,134 Sq. Ft. Prologis UK Unit at Hemel Hempstead

Food Service Logistics takes 161,134 Sq. Ft. Prologis UK Unit at Hemel Hempstead

Leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property, Prologis UK, has let its prime location South East logistics unit, DC4 at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead, to Food Service Logistics Limited (FSL) to support the servicing of their national contract with Starbucks. A 15-year lease has been agreed on the 161,134 sq. ft. distribution centre, with refurbishment works currently underway and expected to be completed in June 2024. The works will bring the building in line with Prologis UK’s market leading standard, with EPC A rating targeted. Alongside this, the refurbishment will focus on increasing and enhancing the offices, installing new LED and all-electric heating alongside a number of wellbeing features, including pockets of greenery, communal break out areas lined with additional seating, and paving to enhance the existing amenity space. As part for the leasing terms, FSL has been provided with a Prologis Essentials allowance, to further upgrade the unit as they wish. The bespoke Essentials offering can include operational, energy and mobility enhancements. Kevin Hopkins, CEO, at Food Service Logistics, said: “With our operations already well established in the South East logistics market, the decision to move into a perfectly located Prologis UK unit was unanimous. Looking ahead to completion later this summer, we have no doubt that the quality of the unit will exceed expectations, and we very much look forward to watching the renovation unfold.” Gillian Scarth, Director, Capital Deployment and Leasing, at Prologis UK, said: “Welcoming new customers to our Parks is always a proud moment, and it is with great pleasure that we are announcing the letting of DC4 to FSL. Moreover, with the unit undergoing refurbishment, we are able to offer the customer a high quality product, equipped to service their needs, while avoiding embodied carbon that would occur during construction of a new warehouse.” Already operating out of Hemel Hempstead, DC4 provided the opportunity for FSL to locally expand it operations to a new, right-sized unit. Strategically located in one of the South East’s primary logistics parks, FSL continues to benefit from access to key motorways, with the M1 J8 less than two miles away: ideal for servicing London. Remaining in the company of household names including Vitabiotics and Hermes, the caliber of customers on site is testament to the strength of Prologis UK’s Hemel Hempstead portfolio. The lease at Hemel Hempstead follows the recently announced speculative construction of an additional five new distribution units currently available to pre-let; growing the park by over 280,000 sq. ft. and demonstrating the strong market demand for distribution facilities in the location. CBRE acted for Prologis UK. Knight Frank acted for FSL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Prime Minister joins logistics developer Panattoni to break ground on largest commercial site in the South of England

Prime Minister joins logistics developer Panattoni to break ground on largest commercial site in the South of England

The largest logistics real estate developer in Europe, Panattoni, has broken ground on one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK, which will initiate the flow of a £900m investment into the economy over the next decade. Panattoni Park Swindon will comprise of 11 net zero carbon buildings totalling 7.2 million sq ft, of brand new advanced real estate space, fit for logistics, manufacturing and data centre uses. The formal ground breaking ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, Swindon’s Members of Parliament, Rt Hon Robert Buckland MP and Justin Tomlinson MP, and Panattoni CEO for Europe and India and Co-Founder, Robert Dobrzycki, Managing Director for UK, Matthew Byrom, and Head of Development, Southern England & London, James Watson. Speaking at the event, Mr Sunak said: “What we are able to celebrate today is one of the largest investments in the south, one of the largest development sites in the south, that is going to create thousands and thousands of jobs and that is fantastic for the local area. A huge vote of confidence, not just in the UK economy but in the local area in particular. I don’t think this would have happened without the efforts of everyone involved including our two MPs here and what it means is that everyone here can look forward to a brighter future. The economy has been through, of course, a tough couple of years but I believe we have turned a corner and announcements like this show that our plan is working.” Panattoni Park Swindon is committed to its environmental responsibility, achieving net zero carbon in construction, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, EPC A+ and 10% net gain biodiversity. The site benefits from detailed planning consent for a single unit of 1.25 million sq ft and outline planning permission for the whole park. The proposals will generate thousands of new employment opportunities, including up to 7,000 new jobs on site and 9,000 indirect jobs in the supply chain over the next 10 years. Speaking on behalf of Panattoni, Matthew Byrom, Managing Director, said: “It was great to welcome the Prime Minister today to unveil the ground breaking of Panattoni Park Swindon. What our commitment today of $1.15bn (£900m) into this project demonstrates, is that the UK post-Brexit remains a highly attractive place to invest; with its stable economy and political backdrop, it gives our capital certainty that our investment is secure. We are confident that this significant level of inward investment will lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs and have a substantive ‘ripple out’ effect to both the local and regional economy. Panattoni Park Swindon will deliver around 7,500 new jobs which is twice the number afforded by the site when it was closed by Honda in July 2021. There are also likely to be many additional opportunities for primary and secondary suppliers. By any measure, this project is a huge vote of confidence for the region and the fundamentals that underpin the UK economy.” Infrastructure and demolition works have commenced and the construction for the speculative phase of development will begin later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clowes Developments’ Dove Valley Park. The saving grace for lack of space?

Clowes Developments’ Dove Valley Park. The saving grace for lack of space?

Dove Valley Park at Foston just off the A50 between Derby and Uttoxeter has seen terrific growth over the last few years, with just under one million sq. ft. built and either sold or let to expanding local and indeed national companies including Hines, MEG, GXO, TopHat and JCB to name a few. It’s also one of the few locations in the East Midlands where bespoke built warehouse or manufacturing space can be offered for sale as well as to rent and it’s possibly the reason why we are seeing increased levels of activity centred on the park in early 2024. Design and build is very much a ‘posh phrase’ for having something built to an occupiers’ needs and their exact specification, but the message that such buildings can often be delivered within as little as 12 months from initial discussions seems to be permeating the local and regional market, particularly as with Dove Valley Park where freeholds can be offered as well as leasehold opportunities.  Given that buying an existing building can often take many months and even then, it might not be ideal for an occupier, if of course a vaguely suitable building can be found, then design and build becomes a more and more keenly followed route when occupiers try and procure new space. Dove Valley Park can offer property solutions to buy from as little as 30,000sq ft upwards in what is an excellent location, just off the A50 between Derby and Stoke on Trent, providing great access to both the East and West Midlands markets. Tim Gilbertson, Director, FHP Property Consultants added,  “Plots are ‘ready to go’ at DVP and if you and your business are equally ‘ready to go’ but you have been frustrated by the real lack of supply of opportunities to buy or indeed rent throughout the East Midlands, then my colleague Darran Severn or myself would be delighted to chat through this great location and see how we might be able to help you secure the right building, in the right location, in the right time period.” For further information, please contact Tim Gilbertson on 07887 787 893 or email tim@fhp.co.uk or Darran Severn on 07917 460 031 or email darran@fhp.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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