Maro Developments has received the green light to build a 313,000 sq ft grade A logistics warehouse in Knowsley, marking a major milestone for the developer’s expanding portfolio. The new development—dubbed Mercury 62—will sit on a 22-acre site to the southeast of Junction 6 of the M62. With two new junctions planned on Cronton Road, the project is expected to significantly boost connectivity and strengthen local infrastructure. Once operational, the facility is projected to contribute approximately £15.6 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually to the local economy. Designed by architectural practice Fletcher Rae and supported by global property consultancy JLL, the warehouse will offer a high-spec, single-unit distribution space tailored to the needs of modern logistics and warehousing businesses. Avison Young also played a key role in guiding the planning process. Chris Stroud, Director of Development at Maro Developments, commented: “Securing planning permission is a fantastic achievement and an exciting step forward. With JLL’s invaluable input, alongside Fletcher Rae’s design expertise and Avison Young’s planning guidance, we’re now ready to bring Mercury 62 to life. Its strategic location and premium specification will provide a first-class logistics solution for occupiers while supporting the broader community.” Edward Blood, Director at JLL, added: “Demand for top-tier logistics space in the North West remains strong among both occupiers and investors. Mercury 62 is perfectly positioned to meet that growing demand.” Construction is expected to commence in the coming months, bringing with it high-quality space for logistics firms and a boost to the regional economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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

Goodman has acquired the former Vauxhall van manufacturing site at Kimpton Road, Luton Global property company, Goodman, is looking to regenerate the recently acquired Vauxhall van manufacturing site at Kimpton Road, Luton.  It is estimated the regeneration could create more than 1,700 direct jobs once complete, and will represent an investment by Goodman in excess of £400 million. Strategically located adjacent to London Luton Airport, and two miles from the M1, it plans to develop the site into a high-quality commercial and industrial park, attracting businesses from a range of sectors including advanced logistics, manufacturing, engineering and digital infrastructure. Over the coming months, Goodman will work closely with Luton Council, local business groups and the community to develop its plans.  Jason Harris, Commercial Director at Goodman, said: “Our vision is to deliver a transformational regeneration scheme. This will attract new businesses to Luton and create a mix of jobs from a range of sectors. “We recognise the social and economic significance of the site to Luton and will work closely with Luton Council and the local community as we bring forward our plans to deliver a major contribution to the long-term economic growth of the town.” Councillor James Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Borough Council, added: “We look forward to working with Goodman to regenerate what is a hugely important strategic site for our town. We are keen to see a mix of commercial and industrial uses at the site, create quality new jobs for local people and bring in vital investment for Luton which will help drive Luton’s 2040 vision for a town where everyone can thrive.” Subject to planning, work is expected to start in 2027, with the first new businesses occupying the site in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, announces the completion of a bespoke built-to-suit (BTS) 621,000 sq ft facility and its occupation by Tesco, the UK’s leading retailer, at Panattoni Park Aylesford. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in supporting supply chain efficiency for Tesco, enabling enhanced logistics and operational capabilities. The new facility was designed in close collaboration with Tesco to meet the company’s specific operational needs. It features a 300,000 sq ft chilled section, a 100,000 sq ft freezer area, and extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support Tesco’s transition to an electric HGV fleet. The state-of-the-art buildings will play a crucial role in Tesco’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of its supply chain and bolster its capacity to meet customer demand, integrating advanced technologies to optimise logistics operations while supporting sustainability initiatives. This landmark project marks a major milestone in delivering sustainable logistics infrastructure and driving significant economic growth in the region. The facility is expected to support Tesco’s operations while contributing to the local economy and generating new jobs. Panattoni’s focus on sustainability is illustrated by achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification and EPC ‘A’ rating on Tesco’s. Tony Watkins, Head of Development: South East & London at Panattoni said: “The 621,000 sq ft facility is the culmination of our vision for the project to deliver cutting-edge operational capabilities for Tesco, creating jobs and generating benefits for Kent. This facility will also bring amenities such as retail, dining, and services, while driving investment in logistics and local businesses. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This development showcases our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration with tenants such as Tesco, the local community, and stakeholders. Together, we have delivered a facility that sets a new benchmark for modern logistics.” Stuart Moffat, Head of Development – Distribution at Tesco said: “We have worked with Panattoni over the past few years to develop a bespoke facility that meets our operational needs while supporting our distribution and sustainability goals. Panattoni has proven to be such an efficient and proactive developer, and a fantastic partner in delivering this project at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This built-to-suit facility is particularly vital for us, incorporating cutting-edge ESG features, including 90,000 sq metres of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure that we have invested in to support our vehicles and staff.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, one of the country’s leading temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions. Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -200C. The 474,283 sq. ft. development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy, reinforcing Magnavale’s commitment to sustainability. The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from leading retailers. The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility. Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site. An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays. The project also required precise coordination to accommodate 90 shipping containers of conveyor systems, and McLaren successfully managed an international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia. With the building now operational, Magnavale has achieved a major advancement in the cold storage sector, setting new standards in automation, energy efficiency, and logistics. The facility’s scale and technological sophistication position it as one of the most advanced cold storage hubs in Europe, supporting the growing demand for high-efficiency food storage solutions. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering this project has been a remarkable achievement, showcasing McLaren’s expertise in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. This facility not only advances the UK’s cold storage infrastructure but also exemplifies our focus on sustainable and innovative building practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has officially commenced construction on a Distribution Centre for leading retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster. The new Distribution Centre will play a crucial role in the region’s industrial expansion, bringing 1000 new jobs and opportunities to Doncaster and the region.  Unity Yorkshire is a flagship mixed-use regeneration project, transforming the area into a thriving business and employment hub, set within a sustainable mixed use flagship development. Strategically located directly off Junction 5 of the M18/M180 motorway interchange, the scheme benefits from excellent transport links and infrastructure which enables occupiers such as TJ Morris to further enhance their supply chain efficiency and reinforce their commitment to nationwide customer service The new circa 1 million sq. ft facility, located at Unity Connect, will consist of a fully automated distribution hub, with a 43-metre-high bay and significant low bay and cold storage areas, designed to support TJ Morris’ expansion plans. The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in the expansion of T J Morris’ national distribution network. The event was attended by Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, and representatives from City of Doncaster Council and Business Doncaster, Waystone Hargreaves Land, Atkins Realis, some of the logistics and automation team for TJ Morris and McLaren Construction Midlands and North – symbolising a collaborative effort in driving economic growth and investment in the region. Construction is set to progress rapidly, with completion scheduled for October 2026. Upon completion, the facility will hand over to Witron for installation of automated picking equipment, The site will be highly automated and will service 300+ Home Bargains stores by mid 2028.. McLaren Construction, a leading UK contractor renowned for delivering high-quality, large-scale industrial and commercial projects, is proud to partner with TJ Morris Ltd and developer – Waystone Hargreaves Land, to bring this ambitious project to life. Speaking at the event, Stuart Goss, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are thrilled to break ground on this major project for TJ Morris Ltd. This development is a testament to our expertise in delivering high-specification logistics facilities that drive business growth and regional economic development.” Neil Kelson, Head of Logisitics at TJ Morris added: “The new Distribution Centre represents a key step in our logistics strategy, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently and support our expansion plans while creating significant employment opportunities for the local community.” Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, added; “Today marks a milestone for the local area and wider City of Doncaster as we break ground on this state-of-the-art Distribution Centre. “This new addition to the Unity Yorkshire development not only strengthens our local community but also creates new, well-paid jobs for our residents. This is just the start of such a transformational development and is testament to our city’s growth and commitment to building a brighter future for all.” Helen McLoughlin, Director at Waystone Hargreaves LLP, said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for everyone connected with the development of Unity. TJ Morris quickly identified the many benefits that Unity has to offer as a strategic location, so we are thrilled that they are commencing work on-site. This will be a landmark building which will well and truly put Unity Yorkshire on the map, and we look forward to seeing construction progress in the months ahead.” The Unity Yorkshire development supports a bespoke Employment Academy, an initiative funded by Waystone Hargreaves Land and delivered in partnership with Business Doncaster to support businesses and employees located on site to assist with their recruitment and training needs and promote all available employment opportunities to Doncaster residents and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaughlin & Harvey have completed construction of Etex’s plasterboard manufacturing facility in Bristol. Etex has officially opened its 200 million euros expansion of its plasterboard production facility in Bristol. It is Etex’s largest production investment ever and a commitment to UK manufacturing as the industry grows. Delivered by McLaughlin & Harvey, the new autonomous plasterboard production line and warehouse facility comprises of a 53,000m2 GIA. The 0.5km long facility consists of a board line calcination plant and storage facility with first floor office accommodation spanning the board line.  The expansion has doubled the sites capacity near the Port of Bristol and has a core focus on sustainability, utilising a rainwater harvesting system, installation points for solar PV and electric car charging stations, and a fully electric forklift fleet. The extra space also supports post-consumer gypsum recycling. The facility produces plasterboard for the Siniat brand and is Etex’s most efficient plasterboard production line in Europe when considering its line size, speed and complexity. The capacity installed allows Etex, a global lightweight construction materials manufacturer, to produce over 98% of its portfolio of boards for the UK and Ireland in the new state-of-the-art facility. The plant leverages new technologies to bring efficiency but also sustainability to the forefront of operations. Increasing local production gives Etex greater flexibility and allows for significant carbon savings by decreasing the need to transport boards from other countries. Robbie Clark, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are proud to have completed the construction of Etex’s new plasterboard production facility in Bristol. Our experienced delivery team maintained a strong focus on quality and sustainability in managing the building and civil engineering works, and coordinating the client’s direct equipment installers.  The high degree of integration of the state-of-the-art process equipment within our construction works was achieved seamlessly through our ‘one team’ approach with Etex and their consultants. This approach ensured the plant was fully commissioned and ready for setting to work ahead of the planned completion date. This accomplishment is a testament to teamwork, commitment and collaboration, demonstrating what we can achieve when a project team works together towards a common goal.” The new site is a zero waste to landfill plant – and part of Etex’s Road to Sustainability 2030 ambitions – which, in the UK, includes rainwater harvesting and increasing its product recycled content year-on-year. Etex is the first manufacturer in the UK to have recycled content certified in new products (through SCS certification), with recycled content in UK products ranging from 23% up to 45% in plasterboards. Bernard Delvaux, CEO of Etex:  “Etex is a pioneer in the construction sector globally, and in the UK. In Europe, we hold important market positions for our portfolio of products and solutions; plasterboards, fibre cement, insulation, fire protection and modular construction. But at the core of our business is our partnerships with customers. Through our complementary portfolio of brands, we are able to take our relationships with customers beyond simply being a supplier and instead work in true collaboration. This is thanks to our solution-first approach, focusing more and more on delivering full solutions and technical expertise to customers, rather than simply supplying individual products.” John Sinfield, UK and Ireland Country Manager: “The new Bristol plant expansion is proof of Etex’s strong footprint in Europe and its commitment to continually investing in innovation. As a pioneer in lightweight construction, we strive to deliver better products and construction methods. Through a solutions-first approach within our key brands, we can offer trusted design solutions that are fully tested whenever our customers need them, ultimately making construction time and processes easier, cheaper and more sustainable.” Etex operates more than 160 sites across 45 countries and employs 13,500 people worldwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Works for Omega West Unit 4, a £28million major industrial and logistics (I&L) development within the Omega Business Park in Warrington, are on track for completion. Led by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Unit 4 is due to finish in June 2025 and follows the successful completion of Units 2 and 3, also on behalf of Omega St Helens Limited, but with a fund managed by Blackstone as the purchaser. Once complete, the unit will be a 420,000 sq. ft. development featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including two-story offices, extensive warehouse space, a hub office, car park facilities, and comprehensive external works and landscaping. Currently, the stage 3 commissioning of the intake substation on plot is progressing well, alongside the offsite manufacture and delivery of the enhanced photovoltaic panels, which are being readied to commence installation along with the internal SRC slabs to the warehouse. Externally, the SRC Yard Slabs are anticipated to be substantially completed by mid- to late March, with the office fit-out to the main office block final finishes due to commence late March 2025. The team has worked to tackle challenging elements of the site, including the diversion of an existing watercourse along its southern and western boundaries, which required an eight-meter buffer zone to maintain construction safety. Additionally, a 132kVA cable diversion below ground on the northern boundary helped careful planning to ensure safe excavation and groundwork activities. The development will incorporate 10% natural roof light implementation, future capacity for EV charging, and a full cut and fill balance of the existing ground to reuse all on-site cohesive materials in line with McLaren Construction’s sustainability commitment. A wild meadow planting arrangement and increased green space areas will also be distributed through the extensive landscaping and all generators and plant machinery have run on alternative fuels, with waste managed through an online data system, Smartwaste, and recycling targets monitored monthly during construction. Upon completion, the development is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of A+. Throughout the project, locally sourced materials and suppliers have been utilised, wherever possible, to support the local economy. With careful consideration of the local community at its heart, throughout the project, McLaren Construction Midlands and North has regularly engaged with local schools and colleges, providing job fairs and mock interview sessions to promote industry opportunities for young people. The team also attended the Cowley College: Futures Fair last year alongside the Your Futures Careers Fair at De La Salle School. Students were able to discuss industry career opportunities with the team, to expand their knowledge and inform them of future job options. Monthly meetings with the local council and planning teams have been hosted with stakeholders in attendance, alongside newsletters being regularly distributed to keep the community informed. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Pivotal works are progressing to schedule at Unit 4, and we are proud of our team for continuing to deliver a high-quality sustainable product, as part of the latest phase in our successful track record at Omega Business Park. “We’ve been working closely with the community to regularly engage with local educational establishments and stakeholders, to ensure a seamless construction process with sustainability at the heart of the scheme.” David Milloy, Managing Director of M2 Group (owner of Omega St Helens), added: “We are very pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Construction on this pivotal development. Their commitment to quality and community engagement aligns with our values and vision for Omega Business Park.” The commencement of Omega West Unit 4 underscores McLaren Construction Midlands and North’s ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in industrial and logistics infrastructure. With a steadfast commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, the contractor is poised to deliver a project that not only meets the highest standards of construction excellence but also contributes positively to the Warrington community and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals