Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has appointed McLaren Construction Group to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. The contract for Sherburn42 marks McLaren’s first appointment to a Firethorn development, and will see the delivery of four highly specified Grade-A units, ranging from 57,750
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd has started works on Phase 1A of Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Horizon 29 is a new distribution development located one mile from junction 29a of the M1. When complete, it will span 1,150.256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered
Stoford has submitted a planning application for a new 42,500 sq ft industrial/warehouse development at Exeter Logistics Park in East Devon. Stoford is lead developer for Exeter Logistics Park and has a long-term site wide agreement with the Church Commissioners for England that will deliver c.500,000 sq ft of high quality
Two of the biggest names in logistics property development, Prologis UK and Tritax, have joined forces to publish a report designed to inspire other businesses in the construction and logistics sectors to take a more proactive approach to delivering social value. The report, entitled ‘Building for social good’ shares the
Gregory Properties has secured full planning approval from Sheffield City Council to deliver a 33,000 sq ft industrial unit at Sheffield Business Park. The long established, local developer plans to speculatively build the unit to support a major shortage of new space in the region. Gregory Properties acquired the prominent
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun speculatively developing 1.3 million sq ft of logistics space, which will include the UK’s largest-ever speculative logistics building, in Avonmouth, Bristol. The £280 million development, Panattoni Park Avonmouth, comprises of two units a 406,000 sq ft
GMI Construction Group, one of the biggest privately owned construction companies in the UK, has boosted its Midlands presence, having been awarded over £100m in projects across the region. GMI has signed deals on projects including £30m investment at the landmark Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, a 155,000 sq ft
An £11 million advanced manufacturing unit is set to be developed at a business and technology park in Coventry by leading commercial property developer Barberry Industrial Ltd. The company has today revealed plans for a 50,750 sq ft industrial unit at Ansty Park, which has established itself as a hub
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust has appointed Glencar, a construction company specialising in industrial, logistics, distribution and manufacturing, to deliver a 340,000 sq ft logistics warehousing scheme in South Yorkshire. The 24-acre site, called Barnsley340, will include a Grade-A warehouse unit spanning 320,000 sq ft, along with
Stoford gets North West’s biggest warehouse scheme underway : Work is progressing on construction of a new 667,000 sq ft UK parts distribution centre at Ellesmere Port. Leading commercial property developer, Stoford is delivering the new state-of-the-art logistics development on a 38.7 acre site at West Road, Hooton Park Airfield.
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has appointed McLaren Construction Group to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. The contract for Sherburn42 marks McLaren’s first appointment to a Firethorn development, and will see the delivery of four highly specified Grade-A units, ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq ft. Set across 37 acres, the site lies adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, and will be constructed to net-zero carbon, with a ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. With 15% translucent roof panelling, LED lighting, and future provisions for renewable power generation, the development will offer a modern, flexible and highly sustainable base for occupiers, whilst providing excellent transportation links to the UK logistics network. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn, commented: “We pride ourselves in creating industry-leading schemes for occupiers, whilst effectively responding to evolving market demands. Not only does McLaren have the expert capability to bring Sherburn42 forward at pace, but the team has demonstrated a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation. “Having received full planning consent last month, we look forward to moving this project forward with McLaren and beginning works on site imminently, which will put us on track for completion by Q4 2023.” Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, says: “We are very pleased to be appointed by forward-thinking developers, Firethorn, on this significant development, situated in one of the most sought-after, accessible locations in North Yorkshire. “Providing fantastic opportunities for the region’s workforce, the four high-quality Grade-A industrial units will create an attractive, fit for purpose, sustainable workspace for multi-national distributors and ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises.” “We look forward to building a long-lasting relationship with Firethorn, and working closely to deliver this landmark project.” Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents: Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton, and Carter Towler. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd has started works on Phase 1A of Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Horizon 29 is a new distribution development located one mile from junction 29a of the M1. When complete, it will span 1,150.256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases. On behalf of Equation Properties and Bentall Green Oak, McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) is progressing with the construction of two, single storey distribution warehouses as part of Phase 1A. Unit 1 comprises 70,000 sq. ft of warehouse space and 3,500 sq. ft pf office space, along with six loading docks. Unit 2 features 127,000 sq. ft of warehouse space and 6,400 sq. ft of office space, with 12 loading docks. All units at Horizon 29 will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating and Phase 1A is expected to complete in April 2023. The contractor has also been appointed on Phase 1B, which will consist of a further two units, with an expected completion in Summer 2023. Sustainable features of Horizon 29 include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) is undertaking all external works including general hardstanding, car-parking, electric vehicle charging points, landscaping, mains services and drainage. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre in a prime location in the Midlands, making it the ideal address for tenants wanting direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “We are pleased to be appointed by Equation Properties and to be working with them on the first phase of this impressive scheme.” Equation Properties is a London-based property development company for the distribution and industrial sector. Dick Smallman, construction director at Equation Properties, said: “We are delighted to have appointed McLaren Construction for the first phase of development at Horizon 29. Construction is now underway for the scheme.” McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd is part of McLaren Group – a group of companies formed in 2001 which operate in construction, property and development throughout the UK and UAE. From its head office in Essex, McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stoford has submitted a planning application for a new 42,500 sq ft industrial/warehouse development at Exeter Logistics Park in East Devon. Stoford is lead developer for Exeter Logistics Park and has a long-term site wide agreement with the Church Commissioners for England that will deliver c.500,000 sq ft of high quality industrial/logistics accommodation. The leading commercial property developer proposes to build a new high specification unit on a 3.30-acre plot in Clyst Honiton. Known as DC9, the new unit will be built on behalf of an end user and will reflect the scheme’s already impressive sustainability credentials. Stoford will target BREEAM ‘very good’ and an EPC ‘A’ rating, as well as net zero carbon in construction. Features will include water and daylight saving controls, PV panels, electric vehicle charging provision and a sustainable urban drainage system, while occupiers will also benefit from onsite trim trail and outdoor gym areas, including bodyweight exercise equipment. The developer has already completed construction of four new developments, including a 90,000 sq ft distribution unit, a 415-space EV charging park for Amazon and DHL’s new 55,000 sq ft parcel distribution service centre. More recently, adhesive manufacturer Forgeway signed a 15-year lease on a 28,500 sq ft building that was speculatively developed by Stoford and Urban Logistics REIT. Stoford Director, Edward Peel said that Exeter Logistics Park has all of the attributes to become the South West’s leading distribution hub, south of Bristol. He said: “We are excited to submit plans for our next new development at Exeter Logistics Park. DC9 is a well designed building which offers a combination of high-quality internal and external spaces in an easily accessible location. “Exeter Logistics Park is based just a short distance from one of the fastest growing cities in the UK with a huge potential workforce on its doorstep. The scheme benefits from good local and national connections, including direct bus links and access to the motorway network, which makes it a perfect location for distribution.” Exeter Logistics Park is sited two miles from Jct 29 of the M5 and a mile from the A30, near Exeter Airport, with Exeter city centre lying just six miles to the west of the site. All enquiries regarding the scheme should be directed to the scheme’s retained agents, JLL and Cushman & Wakefield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two of the biggest names in logistics property development, Prologis UK and Tritax, have joined forces to publish a report designed to inspire other businesses in the construction and logistics sectors to take a more proactive approach to delivering social value. The report, entitled ‘Building for social good’ shares the experiences of both companies in their efforts to deliver a positive impact to people and communities in the areas where they own and develop logistics properties. Importantly, the report also explains how each has successfully managed their social impact through the use of data, which has enabled accurate and meaningful measurement. This in turn has helped to engender the support needed to prioritise social value delivery in the future. Both Prologis UK and Tritax have used a social value measurement tool, called the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) Framework. . Mapped to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this Framework enables businesses to quantify the social and local economic value of their activities by attributing a monetary value equivalent to them. This in turn enables businesses to measure and manage social value. The National TOMs Framework centres on five themes – jobs, growth, social, environment and innovation – and outcomes include wide-ranging activities such as giving up staff time for community training initiatives, creating jobs and improving the local environment. In addition to providing guidance on its implementation, the report includes several case studies to illustrate how the Framework is being applied by Prologis and Tritax . For example, during the construction of a state-of-the-art Logistics Operations Centre for Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull, West Midlands, Prologis explains how more than £12 million of social and local economic value has been committed by the project partners. Similarly, Tritax explains how a brownfield redevelopment project at Littlebrook, Dartford, is generating more than £13 million in social and local economic value, including the creation of 1,300 jobs. Simon Cox, head of sustainability, Prologis UK, said: “Once you understand the power of social value initiatives to boost jobs, create lasting economic value, attract investment and enhance employer brands, it becomes hard to argue against. Which businesses wouldn’t want to invest in social value creation, in the same way they might consider investing to improve their products or services?” Alan Somerville , ESG Director , Tritax, commented on the company’s project at Littlebrook saying: “Creating social and local economic value is about creating a positive legacy for the future that enhances the world in which we live and work. Our scheme at Littlebrook has enhanced biodiversity in the local area at the same time as creating valuable training and employment opportunities.” A free download of the report is available here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gregory Properties has secured full planning approval from Sheffield City Council to deliver a 33,000 sq ft industrial unit at Sheffield Business Park. The long established, local developer plans to speculatively build the unit to support a major shortage of new space in the region. Gregory Properties acquired the prominent 2-acre vacant site on Europa Link from Sheffield Business Park Ltd earlier this year, adding to its portfolio of industrial developments on key strategic sites across Yorkshire. Sheffield Business Park is an already well established 200-acre development located off Junctions 33 and 34 of the M1 and to the North of Sheffield City Centre. Current occupiers include SIG Group, South Yorkshire Police, Gleesons, TNS, Primetals and Hart Shaw. The Park is situated within the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing & Innovation District (AMID) that has seen substantial investment from occupiers including Boeing, Rolls-Royce and McLaren. “We are pleased to secure planning consent to develop this prime strategic site that is already recognised as a hotbed of cutting-edge industry and is also well placed for last mile logistics operators serving the Sheffield City Region,” said Nick Gillott, Development Director at Gregory Properties. “We are committed to speculatively deliver a state-of-the-art building that responds to critical demand for market ready premises, and we are confident in securing a strong occupier in the near future. We hope to be able to start construction on site by April 2023 with a view to practical completion by December 2023.” The Harris Partnership has designed the new development to include 30,000 sq ft of industrial/warehouse space with a 3,000 sq ft M&E fitted office mezzanine. The steel portal frame unit will offer 9m to eaves with three ground level access doors, enhanced landscaping and carparking for 34 vehicles, secure covered cycle shelter, and gated service yard with security lighting. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun speculatively developing 1.3 million sq ft of logistics space, which will include the UK’s largest-ever speculative logistics building, in Avonmouth, Bristol. The £280 million development, Panattoni Park Avonmouth, comprises of two units a 406,000 sq ft and 882,000 sq ft. The larger of the two will be the UK’s largest-ever speculatively built warehouse. Both units are being built in one phase and are expected to be completed in September 2023. ISG has been appointed main contractor. The units will be built to a targeted BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ and benefit from extensive 50m yards, 17m + clear internal heights, generous car and lorry parking, and 8MVA of power. Panattoni Park Avonmouth is strategically positioned for local and national distribution, London and the wider south east markets, Avonmouth Docks, Royal Portbury Docks, Bristol Airport, Avonmouth Rail Freight Terminal and Bristol Parkway train station, given the quick access to both the M4 and M5 motorways. The development is located close to leading logistics occupiers such as Amazon, DHL, The Range, TESCO and Lidl. James Watson, Head of Development Southern England & London, Panattoni UK, said: “We closed the purchase of this site despite the current macro-economic challenges, but have conviction the logistics occupier market will continue to perform. Our continued commitment to the ‘big box’ market is shown with this being the largest speculative development in the UK. We are glad to be on-site with construction, providing much-needed space for such a supply constrained market. Practical Completion of Panattoni Park Avonmouth is September 2023.” Robert Dobrzycki, CEO & Co-owner Panattoni Europe and India, said: “Developing the largest-ever speculative logistics building in the UK is testament to our global strategy of scaling up our developments at the highest level of quality and reflects our continuing confidence in the logistics sector as well as our desire to provide much-needed space for our international client base. Quality and a proven investment model – not just price competitiveness – are becoming our distinguishing factors in the real estate market”. Agents for Panattoni Park Avonmouth are DTRE, Savills, JLL & Colliers. For more information please visit panattoni.co.uk/avonmouth Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group, one of the biggest privately owned construction companies in the UK, has boosted its Midlands presence, having been awarded over £100m in projects across the region. GMI has signed deals on projects including £30m investment at the landmark Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, a 155,000 sq ft logistics warehouse for St. Modwen Logistics in Birmingham and a retail park in Tamworth boasting brands such as Lidl and B&M. In Derby, work has commenced on the Becketwell development – the most significant development in Derby city centre since 2007 – which will see the completion of a GMI-built Build to Rent apartment block in 2023. GMI will also complete a bottling plant for a German client at Dove Valley, Foston, by December 2022. As part of its investment in the West Midlands, GMI has commenced build on various sites in Birmingham, including the development of a 102-unit residential project in the Jewellery Quarter, the regeneration of the former James Cond building for University College Birmingham and the development of a new student accommodation in Selly Oak. It has also recently completed a logistics warehouse for fashion retailer, ASOS, in Lichfield. Andy Bruce, Divisional Managing Director at GMI, said: “The Midlands is a big area with even bigger potential and, as we continue to invest in the region, it’s expected to become our largest UK division. “As we further grow our pipeline of work in the Midlands, we will be collaborating with likeminded, forward-thinking organisations that align with our key purposes of sustainability and supporting the next generation of workers. “It’s an exciting time for the Midlands and we’re committed to supporting the region to grow and thrive in the future, mirroring the ambitions of the Midlands Engine to create positive change.” To find out more about GMI, please visit: www.gmiconstructiongroup.co.uk.
An £11 million advanced manufacturing unit is set to be developed at a business and technology park in Coventry by leading commercial property developer Barberry Industrial Ltd. The company has today revealed plans for a 50,750 sq ft industrial unit at Ansty Park, which has established itself as a hub for research and development and high-tech manufacturing. The park is home to major occupiers Rolls-Royce, Cadent, MTC, Meggitt and The London Taxi Company. An application for detailed planning consent for a Grade A unit, built to exceptional ESG standards – target EPC A and BREEAM Excellent – at Viggen Way has been submitted by Barberry to Rugby Borough Council. The site is located at the very heart of the manufacturing and logistics centre of the UK. Ansty Park benefits from direct access to the motorway network via junction two of the M6 and junction one of the M69. Coventry, Birmingham and East Midlands airports are all within a 40-minute drive. Jon Robinson, development director at West Midlands-based Barberry, said: “Ansty Park is a fantastic location for Barberry’s latest development, being one of the most significant business and technology parks in the Midlands. We are excited to unveil Barberry 50, a high-tech, build to suit unit which is ideal for a new headquarters facility or centre of excellence for a suitable occupier, available on both a leasehold and freehold basis. “Once we achieve planning consent, the unit will be built to BREEAM Excellent and EPC A standards and has been designed with a focus on sustainability which is at the forefront of our minds.” He added: “This significant investment demonstrates Barberry’s continued commitment to the region and the development while helping to address the continued shortage of new, high quality manufacturing accommodation in the West Midlands. “New buildings such as this help to create the quality accommodation that local, regional and national businesses need in order to expand their operations within the Midlands, creating new jobs and attracting investment. We continue to see significant occupier demand for new industrial and warehouse units.” Barberry has a 3.6 million sq ft industrial/logistics development portfolio with a Gross Development Value of in excess of £500 million. It is currently developing a £40 million state-of-the-art manufacturing and design facility for a global leader in engine and flight controls systems in Gloucestershire. The 207,000 sq ft centre of excellence for Moog’s Aircraft Controls Segment is being built on a 10-acre site at Ashchurch, Tewkesbury. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust has appointed Glencar, a construction company specialising in industrial, logistics, distribution and manufacturing, to deliver a 340,000 sq ft logistics warehousing scheme in South Yorkshire. The 24-acre site, called Barnsley340, will include a Grade-A warehouse unit spanning 320,000 sq ft, along with 20,000 sq ft of highly specified office space. Work will start imminently, with completion expected in Q3 2023. In line with Firethorn’s enhanced specification, the scheme will be delivered to net-zero carbon in construction and target an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. A sustainable design is featured throughout to reduce operating costs and increase energy efficiencies, with initiatives including rainwater harvesting, provisions for HGV EV charging and capabilities for 100% Photovoltaic arrays. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Glencar again, on what will be its third appointment on a Firethorn logistics development. We are continually impressed by the team’s expertise and ability to deliver schemes that are in keeping with the values of Firethorn, ensuring that future occupiers will benefit from a high-quality, flexible and market-leading design. “Widely regarded as a prime logistics site in an area benefitting from ongoing inward investment and regeneration, Barnsley has become a highly sought-after location for ambitious businesses looking to expand their operations. As market demand for modern logistics space continues to grow, we are confident that the Firethorn specification will unlock the full potential of this site, whilst bringing economic and societal benefits into the area.” Also commenting on the project appointment, Pete Goodman, Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North, added: “Glencar prides itself on solid partnerships and has built its business based on long-term, mutually successful relationships with our customers. We are therefore delighted to receive our third project instruction to date from Firethorn following other recent appointments in Erith and Peterborough. “As Firethorn continue to expand their portfolio of sites and presence in the logistics real estate sector around the UK, we are ready, willing and able to support that growth and fully committed to a long-standing partnership. “We look forward to getting started on this project and delivering a first-class outcome to the net zero in construction benchmark specification which is rapidly becoming the new norm in the sector.” Fronting the Dearne Valley Parkway, less than one mile from J36 of the M1, Barnsley340 offers ideal connectivity to the UK logistics network, with direct motorway access to Leeds, Doncaster and Sheffield. Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s agents Gent Visick and Knight Frank. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stoford gets North West’s biggest warehouse scheme underway : Work is progressing on construction of a new 667,000 sq ft UK parts distribution centre at Ellesmere Port. Leading commercial property developer, Stoford is delivering the new state-of-the-art logistics development on a 38.7 acre site at West Road, Hooton Park Airfield. The building has been pre-let to Peugeot, a subsidiary of the global automaker Stellantis Group and is the biggest single cross-docked warehouse to be developed in the North West this year. Stoford is targeting the highest level of building sustainability certification for the new development, including BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and an EPC ‘A’ rating. It will be certified as net zero carbon in operation for the base build works. The building will provide office accommodation and features including photovoltaic roof panels, rainwater harvesting, LED lighting and an energy monitoring system. Staff will also benefit from an external wellbeing area, bicycle storage and EV car charging points. Stoford has sympathetically designed the building to preserve the integrity of the existing listed structures on the former airfield, which will see the ground and building floor levels of the new facility recessed into the existing slope. Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed as contractor to deliver the works. It is anticipated that the building’s steel frame will be in place by the end of 2022, with the development programmed for completion in the second half of 2023. Singapore Exchange listed Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust (FLCT) is forward funding the new development and has acquired the freehold for a total consideration on a completed basis of £101 million. Jamie Craig, UK Director for Parts Distribution at Stellantis, said: “The incredible progress on the site is a credit to Stoford and Winvic. The sheer scale of the development is impressive in every way. I am looking forward to the day when we can move our UK parts distribution centre into the building.” Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director of Stoford said: “This is a modern, purpose-built distribution building that will create new jobs and deliver significant economic benefits. Sustainability has been a key factor throughout the design process, with consideration given to minimising embodied carbon and reducing the building’s energy consumption. The development forms part of the expansion of Ellesmere Port and will ensure the longevity of Hooton Park as a significant employment site.” Robert Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of the REIT Manager, said: “The forward funding acquisition presents an excellent opportunity to add a state-of-the-art logistics facility to FLCT’s growing UK logistics and industrial portfolio. With a committed 15-year lease term to Peugeot, a subsidiary of the global automaker Stellantis Group, the property will serve as its national distribution centre upon completion. The property will be developed to high building and sustainability specifications and will meet BREEAM5 ‘Outstanding’ and EPC6 A rating. “The property will mark FLCT’s fourth logistics and industrial investment in the UK and is strategically sited in a well-established logistics and industrial precinct in UK’s North West, which will enable us to deepen FLCT’s presence in the attractive UK logistics real estate space, while supporting our objectives of delivering sustainable long-term value to our unitholders.” Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, Danny Nelson, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Stoford once again and to add another low carbon industrial facility to our roster of live projects. The relationships already built with the Stellantis team are driving the facility forward and we look forward to exceeding their expectations all the way to delivery in the second half of 2023.” Gemma Davies, Director of Economy and Housing at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This is another significant investment in Ellesmere Port, not only does the new building contribute to the green credentials we are striving for, it continues the historic association Ellesmere Port has with the motor industry and creates a new modern workplace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
