Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has started construction of it’s 710,000 sq ft speculative logistics development in Rotherham. Panattoni Park Rotherham comprises of two facilities adjacent to junction 1 of the M18 at Rotherham, one of 630,000 sq ft, which will be one
Hortons’ Estate Ltd has delivered the new UK headquarters of international hydraulic and pneumatic specialist Brennan Industries Inc. – one of two new developments at an established industrial park in the West Midlands. The independent property company has completed construction of 35,000 sq ft of new industrial/logistics accommodation at Anchor
Following a recent flurry of acquisitions within the UK, Prologis, a leading owner and developer of logistics real estate, has announced three strategic developments across the Midlands and the South East. The projects at Prologis Park Midpoint, located in Birmingham, Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands in Weybridge
Over the past 15 years, Prologis UK has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions of 476,819 tonnes (tCO2e) across a total of 74 projects. This represents an average reduction in whole-life carbon emissions of 25 percent, benefiting many Prologis UK customers seeking to reduce their emissions impacts The company has
A funding deal has completed between Caddick Group, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Canmoor, which will see work commence on a new employment hub in Leyland, Preston. Following planning approval earlier in the year, construction is underway targeting delivery of the 544,000 sq. ft. warehouse in July 2023. The scheme
The UN has declared 2022 the “International Year of Glass”. This puts even more focus on production conditions in the energy-intensive glass industry, and efficient technologies along the entire value chain are particularly in demand. Vacuum technology also has a major influence on sustainability in glass production – because stable
Potter Space, which owns and operates five business parks across the UK, is on course to achieve its strategic five-year vision of investing £18m to double the size of its Droitwich site, as construction begins at pace on the first phase of the development. The company had been granted planning
National planning consultancy Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group)has secured a positive resolution to approve planning permission on behalf of Hebburn Riverside Development Ltd for the development of 446 homes, community and commercial space at the former Hawthorne Leslie Shipyard on Ellison Street in Hebburn. This resolution was achieved at
The transformation of a brownfield site in Altrincham is being supported with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council. Network Space Developments is set to regenerate the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street into a mixture of high-quality refurbished space, alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site designed
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property company, has announced it will speculatively develop two new logistics centres at Prologis RFI DIRFT in Northamptonshire – a park recognised as the most successful intermodal road-rail hub in the UK. Designed to best-in-class sustainability standards, both buildings – DC327, with a floorspace of
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has started construction of it’s 710,000 sq ft speculative logistics development in Rotherham. Panattoni Park Rotherham comprises of two facilities adjacent to junction 1 of the M18 at Rotherham, one of 630,000 sq ft, which will be one of the largest-ever speculative logistics buildings in the north of England, and a smaller 80,000 sq ft facility. The 40-acre site, named Panattoni Park Rotherham occupies a prime position within the in-demand M1-M18 triangle, close to the important east-west axis of the M62, the large markets of Leeds and Manchester, plus the ports of Liverpool, Hull and Immingham. Buckingham’s have been appointed main contractor and are now on-site starting earthworks for the development. Over the next few weeks the contractor will be starting cut and fill operation and forming the main entrance to the site to make sure it’s fully operational. The two speculative developments are expected to complete in Q3 2023. The buildings benefit from a range of sustainable credentials such as EV van and car chagrining points, 15% roof lights, PV ready frame, BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’.Dan Burn, Head of Development; North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: ‘We are glad to be on-site starting construction of such significant scale in the North of England. The development has already seen substantial interest from occupiers, especially with the lack of supply of Grade-A space in the region. Panattoni’s speculative development programme keeps providing these opportunities that are missing in the market.”Letting agents are M1 Agency, Legat Owen and Knight Frank.
Hortons’ Estate Ltd has delivered the new UK headquarters of international hydraulic and pneumatic specialist Brennan Industries Inc. – one of two new developments at an established industrial park in the West Midlands. The independent property company has completed construction of 35,000 sq ft of new industrial/logistics accommodation at Anchor Brook Industrial Park near Aldridge town centre. The new building has been divided into two separate units of 17,500 sq ft, one of which will be occupied by Brennan Industries Inc. as a distribution hub with integral office space, and the other will be let. US-based Brennan Industries Inc. has purchased the land and both new units on a long lease from Hortons and will relocate its UK team from an existing facility in Walsall. It is the largest of two new developments to have been delivered by Hortons at the business park, following completion of a new retail unit on an adjacent plot that will be occupied by Greggs. Matt M. Stahr, vice president of operations at Brennan Industries Inc., said that the company’s new distribution hub would support its recent and anticipated growth, and could create new employment opportunities. He said: “We are incredibly excited about our new facility at Wharf Approach. This new distribution hub will allow us to more easily service the UK market, return value to our customers, and make for an enjoyable place for our employees to work. Thank you to the Hortons team for their world-class expertise, communication, and efficiency.” James Slater, head of building surveying and development at Hortons said: “It’s very pleasing to have completed this nine month development programme at Anchor Brook Industrial Park. “We’ve worked closely with Brennan to deliver a facility that meets its needs, both now and in the future. We’re confident that the quality of the building, and the park’s convenient location near the national motorway network, will provide an ideal platform for business growth. “We have a good relationship with Greggs having worked together to develop a similar facility in Cannock and its new retail unit will undoubtedly enhance the offering for existing occupiers of the business park and surrounding area.”
Following a recent flurry of acquisitions within the UK, Prologis, a leading owner and developer of logistics real estate, has announced three strategic developments across the Midlands and the South East. The projects at Prologis Park Midpoint, located in Birmingham, Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands in Weybridge , bringing the total amount of land under development by Prologis UK for the logistics industry to 2.4 million sq. ft. Ground has been broken at Prologis Park Midpoint, one of the UK’s most successful logistics parks, with the new unit, DC6, under construction as part of a speculative development project. On completion, the new 163,754 sp. ft. distribution centre will bring the total floorspace of logistics properties at the park to over 1.6 million sq. ft. Prologis Park Midpoint is situated in the logistics “Golden Triangle” in the Midlands – a prime location to support growing supply chain needs. The park is situated just eight miles from central Birmingham and has access to 11 motorway junctions within five miles, providing vital accessibility for national and urban distribution. As demands within the ecommerce sector continue to grow, there has been an increased focus on the need for more high-density urban hubs to provide greater last-mile capabilities. In response to the growing needs of the industry, Prologis has broken ground on two key development areas within Greater London. Strategically positioned to ensure access the major consumer markets within West and Central London, and Thames Valley, Prologis Park West London is located on the doorstep of Heathrow Airport and within four miles of the M25. The two new units, DC5 (195,719 sq. ft.) and DC6 (143,849 sq. ft.), are due to finish construction in Spring 2023. Likewise, Prologis Park Brooklands DC1 is situated in a proven last-mile delivery location, serving Central and South London, with easy access to the M25, M3 and A3. The new 124,401 sq. ft. logistics facility draws upon a large and skilled labour pool from Weybridge and surrounding areas. Both Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands are designed and built to meet the demands of high-performance operations. As well as being Grade A logistics and manufacturing facilities,all three developments will be certified net zero carbon in construction, with the new facilities targeted to achieve BREEAM-rated ‘Excellent’, a mark of Prologis’ ongoing environmental credentials. In addition, the units will be kitted out with EV infrastructure for the benefit of customers with green fleets. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “Our development projects benefit from the excellent support of local councils and other stakeholders right from the start. Not only do these speculative developments show the strength and confidence we have in the sector, but also the exemplify the innovative ways in which the industry can support its ongoing growth. We’ve listened to the market, and to our customers, and are actively pushing forward development plans to support areas of growth, such as last-mile and urban delivery. “We’re immensely proud of the development projects that are ongoing across the country, and these new units are expected to generate a high level of interest and bring an array of benefits for the local economy and communities.”
Over the past 15 years, Prologis UK has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions of 476,819 tonnes (tCO2e) across a total of 74 projects. This represents an average reduction in whole-life carbon emissions of 25 percent, benefiting many Prologis UK customers seeking to reduce their emissions impacts The company has also recently submitted its goals to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 to the Science Based Targets initiative for validation Prologis UK has mitigated remaining embodied carbon emissions of 879,158 tCO2e by supporting the charity, Cool Earth, in its work to protect at risk rainforest. A new report about the 15-year partnership sets out a model for emissions reduction and mitigation, for others in the logistics property and construction industry, based on a programme of measurement, stakeholder engagement and communication Prologis UK, a leading owner and developer of logistics property, is celebrating a successful 15-year partnership with Planet Mark, a sustainability certification body serving organisations across industry sectors, which has seen the company significantly reduce its carbon impact. In 2022, Prologis announced a goal, which will be submitted to the Science Based Targets Initiative for validation, to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. This is consistent with the company’s longstanding focus on ESG. Over the past 15 years, Prologis UK, with Planet Mark, has put sustainability firmly at the forefront of its development activities; embedding it into the design and construction process from start to finish. An example of such initiatives is the work Planet Mark undertake with Prologis UK to engage the full construction supply chain, including all contractors, to ensure end-to-end visibility of carbon emissions, thereby identifying opportunities for reductions. To mark the 15-year partnership, Prologis UK and Planet Mark have published a joint report about Prologis UK’s industry-leading approach ton reducing and mitigating carbon emissions, along with some facts and figures about its sustainability achievements. A key finding of the report is that based on 74 projects, spanning more than 19 million sq. ft. of development over a 15 year time period, Prologis UK has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions of 476,819 tCO2e. This represents an average reduction in whole-life carbon emissions of 25 percent. Simon Cox, Head of Development Management at Prologis UK said: “This has been a ground-breaking programme, implemented at a time when the measurement, reduction and mitigation of carbon emissions was new to the real estate sector. Through our work with Planet Mark, we have gained invaluable experience and expertise, which will enable us to better serve our customers as we pursue of our newly published 2040 net zero goals.” Steve Malkin, CEO Planet Mark said: “Over the past 15 years our work with Prologis UK has put sustainability firmly at the forefront of their developments. By striving to reduce embodied carbon in every building, engaging with communities and their supply chain, and mitigating unavoidable emissions by protecting endangered rainforest, they have stretched way beyond compliance to set a new standard for best practice. We recognise that net zero is imperative and definitions are rapidly evolving alongside innovation, and we look forward to embracing this evolution together.” The whole-life carbon emissions of each project are measured using a Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA), which follows recognised standards (BS EN 15978:2011) and methodologies, including the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ Whole Life Carbon Method, 2017. As it is impossible to eliminate all embodied carbon emissions when constructing new buildings, Prologis UK and Planet Mark also created a bespoke carbon mitigation scheme. While it was put in place several years earlier, the approach to carbon emissions reduction, elimination and mitigation employed by Prologis UK and Planet Mark aligns closely with the UK Green Building Council’s recently published framework definition for net-zero buildings. Prologis UK’s innovative carbon mitigation scheme has proved particularly successful in mitigating unavoidable carbon emissions through investment in large-scale rainforest protection programmes to avoid deforestation and lock-in carbon. These activities have been implemented in partnership with the global climate change charity, Cool Earth. The report quantifies the positive impact this scheme has had over the past 15 years; mitigating total embodied carbon emissions of 879,158 tCO2e through the protection of 17,683 acres of ‘at risk’ rainforest. This has prevented the loss of 4.1 million trees to deforestation, which would have resulted in potential emissions impact of 4.8 million tCO2e. The whole-life carbon emissions of a typical distribution centre are typically 30 per cent operational and 70 per cent embodied. Operational emissions can be reduced through energy efficient design and onsite renewables. Although embodied carbon can be reduced through careful material selection and detailing it can never be entirely eliminated. The sustainability model put in place by Prologis UK and Planet Mark has been successful in mitigating – 100 percent of the unavoidable, embodied carbon emissions for all 74 projects assessed. The report highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and quantifies the social impact of the 74 projects surveyed. There is a community engagement programme in place for each of the projects assessed. This has included sustainability workshops through which for 63 local primary schools and 68 schools and colleges have achieved Planet Mark certification. To view the report jointly produced by Prologis UK and Planet Mark visit here.
A funding deal has completed between Caddick Group, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Canmoor, which will see work commence on a new employment hub in Leyland, Preston. Following planning approval earlier in the year, construction is underway targeting delivery of the 544,000 sq. ft. warehouse in July 2023. The scheme represents a considerable investment in the region and will be the biggest speculative development of its type in the North West this year, addressing the acute demand for quality logistics and warehousing space. Situated with direct links to M6, M65 and M61 motorway networks the development offers excellent connectivity to the whole of the North West region. The Connect 6, Preston is expected to bring over 1,000 jobs to the area once complete, and around 600 jobs during construction, which will be carried out by Caddick Group business, Caddick Construction North West. The building will reach practical completion in July 2023. Steve Widdowson, Head of Caddick Developments in the North West, said: “Connect 6, Preston is an incredibly exciting scheme and we’re delighted to have investors of the calibre of Goldman Sachs and Canmoor coming on board to take this development forward. The deal means we can push ahead with developing out the site and help introduce much-needed capacity into the Industrial and Logistics market in the North West. Caddick’s vertically integrated offer has once again demonstrated the value of being able to act fast in addressing supply-shortages in quality locations.” Farbod Nia, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said: “This investment aligns with our wider strategy to deliver best in class logistics space in well-connected, high-quality locations, specified to meet the requirements of modern occupiers and the highest sustainability standards. The building will help address the supply and demand imbalance in the North West market by providing occupiers with greatly needed space. We look forward to working with our partners Canmoor and Caddick Group on this exciting development” Tom White, Director at Canmoor, said: “This development addresses an acute need for this type of development in the North West of England. Moreover, the scheme is set to lead the way from an environmental point of view, being BREEAM Excellent rated, whilst enjoying unparalleled links to local infrastructure.” For more information on Connect 6, Preston visit www.canmoor-connect6.com Caddick Group is a vertically integrated business which sources land, designs and funds projects, as well as having the ability to build using its own contracting arm, Caddick Construction. The Group has a pipeline of 16+ million sq ft of industrial & logistics space. Caddick Group were represented by JLL on this scheme.
The UN has declared 2022 the “International Year of Glass”. This puts even more focus on production conditions in the energy-intensive glass industry, and efficient technologies along the entire value chain are particularly in demand. Vacuum technology also has a major influence on sustainability in glass production – because stable vacuum is needed in many processes. Atlas Copco specializes in providing energy-efficient, intelligent, and sustainable vacuum solutions to manufacturers worldwide. They have supplied the German glass producer Noelle + von Campe with three GHS 4600 VSD+ screw vacuum pumps. The Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ series of vacuum pumps are a range of highly efficient, intelligent vacuum pumps with Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology. Individual glass packaging for bottling companiesNoelle + von Campe produces individual glass packaging for bottling companies. The individualized bottles and jars are given their shape and the final touch using vacuum technology. The final touch includes adding a customer’s logo or name. When shaping the glass, better embossing of the logo or any lettering is achieved if the trapped air between the glass mold and the actual glass has been removed as best as possible. With an output of 650 million jars per year, the right vacuum system is an important element for the efficiency of the entire plant for Noelle + von Campe. Atlas Copco, with its application expertise and experience in supplying vacuum pumps to the glass industry, knows the exact requirements of the market. They have a long history in partnering with glass manufacturers. Their solutions and installations are made to measure for each individual customer. This was one of the reasons Noelle + von Campe chose Atlas Copco’s GHS VSD+ oil-injected screw vacuum pumps for their production facility. Energy savings with Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technologyThe use of vacuum technology alone saves a lot of energy: the same production result could also be achieved with compressed air but would consume more energy. With its innovative motor concept for glass production, the Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ series is one of the most energy-efficient oil-lubricated vacuum pumps on the market: with the VSD variable speed control, the screw pumps can be adapted precisely and quickly to the respective vacuum requirement. Variable speed and the set point control offers optimum vacuum levels. The GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps installed at Noelle + von Campe have saved around 27% in energy costs. Increased stability in the vacuum supplyThe reduced energy consumption isn’t the only advantage of the GHS VSD+ vacuum solution. The entire vacuum supply at Noelle + von Campe is now more stable than before. „When we change tools or adapt our processes, for example, the new central vacuum system continues to reliably supply our entire production“ reports Timo Scherf, the Head of Maintenance Plant 1 at Noelle + von Campe. „This was an important factor for us, because the reliable, uninterrupted vacuum supply in turn has a direct effect on the quality of our end products. And when it comes to the quality of our jars and bottles, neither we nor our customers make any compromises“, Timo Scherf emphasizes. Significantly faster amortizationAccording to Atlas Copco sales engineer Oliver Heitjohann, further cost reductions are generated by the ES central control: „The intelligent system coordinates the use of the vacuum pumps with each other – this saves even more costs, also for maintenance and electricity. A big advantage: the customers also achieve significantly faster amortization“. The ES16 central controller can monitor and control multiple GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps simultaneously. The smart control system balances and optimizes the performance of all machines, reducing the overall energy consumption. Compared to competitor products, the intervals between maintenance are also longer. Other note-worthy features of the GHS 4600 VSD+ vacuum pump is its low noise level, space-saving design and the fact that the pumps are supplied in a single, compact housing. The installation is plug & play and is correspondingly uncomplicated. More for lessThe Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ oil-sealed screw vacuum pump series thus put the finishing touches not only to the products but also to the production process. This is where Atlas Copco’s extensive experience in working with glass manufacturers pays off. That is why Atlas Copco also customized the piping of the vacuum pumps. Atlas Copco is thus, as it were, a one-stop shop for glass manufacturers – from the pump to the connection systems. And so, on balance, Noelle + von Campe gets more for less: more vacuum, more control and more stability for less energy consumption and less effort.
Potter Space, which owns and operates five business parks across the UK, is on course to achieve its strategic five-year vision of investing £18m to double the size of its Droitwich site, as construction begins at pace on the first phase of the development. The company had been granted planning permission earlier in the year to speculatively build an additional 105,000 sq. ft. of industrial units at Droitwich, to add to the existing 286,000 sq. ft. occupying the 38 acres. With £10m investment committed to this initial phase, construction of the first two units, measuring 28,360 sq. ft. and 21,895 sq. ft., has begun in earnest with completion expected by Spring 2023. Although not a prerequisite of the original planning consent, all the new units will be targeting BREEAM ‘Very Good’ accreditation in order to provide top quality sustainable buildings for its customers and to further enhance the desirability of the site. Potter Space is also placing high importance on enhancing the amenity space on the park to help improve the wellbeing of its customers. This will include extending landscaped areas and creating both dedicated picnic areas and nature walks close to the site. Jason Rockett, managing director at Potter Space, commented: “Our commitment to investing £18m to double the size of Droitwich over the next five years represents a major milestone for Potter Space in the Midlands. “Although we have had nearly 300,000 sq. ft. of buildings on site, we were close to 100% occupancy and recognised the need to meet demand and the growing number of enquiries we were receiving for high quality warehouse units in the region. We are therefore looking forward to the opportunity to develop the site further and bring new investment and jobs to the area.” Potter Space is now welcoming pre-let enquiries, with Fisher German and Harris Lamb joint acting agents for this initial phase. Rob Champion, partner at property agents, Fisher German, said: “As Jason and the team at Potter Space have witnessed, we have seen sustained occupational demand for industrial and warehouse facilities of this calibre in the Midlands and we anticipate interest to be extremely high.” Charles D’Auncey, director for property consultancy Harris Lamb, added: “Expanding the Droitwich site on this scale puts Potter Space in an enviable position at a time when warehouse space is in such short supply nationally, regionally and locally and there is limited competition in the area. “The added benefit is that the company will be creating a real home for business – delivering high quality, sustainable buildings on a well-managed, secure and highly accessible site.” To download a brochure and further information on Potter Space and its Droitwich business park, please visit https://www.potterspace.co.uk/developments/droitwich.
National planning consultancy Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group)has secured a positive resolution to approve planning permission on behalf of Hebburn Riverside Development Ltd for the development of 446 homes, community and commercial space at the former Hawthorne Leslie Shipyard on Ellison Street in Hebburn. This resolution was achieved at South Tyneside’s Planning Committee on Monday 5 September. The development will represent a significant regeneration project, transforming the 3.7ha former dockyard into a vibrant new community with homes, flexible community spaces, shop and restaurant. The new community will be set in an attractively landscaped setting on the banks of the River Tyne. A range of community uses, including ‘pop up’ uses, are envisaged for the new pavilion building, which will also host a permanent exhibition depicting the rich history of the site. The design has been influenced by the site’s shipbuilding heritage: the design of the larger scale apartment buildings pays homage to the ships that were once constructed within the shipyard, with design elements providing subtle references to marine construction. The houses will reflect the Victorian style of architecture found elsewhere in Hebburn. In acknowledgement to the site’s important wartime history, it is proposed that the development is named ‘Kelly’s Yard’ in honour of the World War II K-class destroyer, HMS Kelly, which was built and launched at the site in 1938. HMS Kelly was named after the Admiral of the Fleet, Sir John Kelly. Phillip Allin, Director of planning consultancy Boyer said, ‘We are delighted to have achieved this positive outcome which will lead to the transformation of this brownfield site bringing a vacant and inaccessible section of the riverside back into active use, creating a vibrant and sustainable community though an appropriate mix of much-needed homes and community uses. ‘The new scheme will result in the remediation of this former industrial site, making it safe for future generations. It will ensure the protection of local mudflats and saltmarshes which are of importance ecologically, and reduce the pressure on the Green Belt – a significant consideration in the emerging Local Plan.’ Mark Russell and Barry Holmes of LDA Design conceived and masterplanned the vision for the redevelopment, supported by consultants Design Division, Tetra Tech, Wardell Armstrong, Andy Clay Consulting, UES ecology, GIA, Ollio, Purcell, Turner Townsend, Avison Young and RPS. –
The transformation of a brownfield site in Altrincham is being supported with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council. Network Space Developments is set to regenerate the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street into a mixture of high-quality refurbished space, alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site designed to attract a variety of businesses. Known as Broadheath Networkcentre, some 205,000 sq ft of accommodation will be delivered across 25 units, with workspace available from 2,100 sq ft to 39,500 sq ft. The development has the capacity to create upwards of 400 new jobs and provide much needed speculative workspace in the region. Regional sub-contractors will be encouraged to become involved in the scheme, as well as local training and employment opportunities being provided during construction. Once complete, the scheme will have an estimated GDV of £45 million. A highly sustainable development, the scheme will target BREEAM Very Good and EPC A ratings. Existing steel and concrete structures on site will be reused and recycled, resulting in a significant reduction in embodied carbon within the development. Individual units are designed to accommodate photovoltaic panels to support renewable energy provision and electric vehicle charging will be provided across the entire scheme. As well as supporting Network Space Developments to bring forward the scheme, the loan from Trafford’s Investment Programme includes a number of conditions to promote environmental efficiency, on-site renewable power, electrical vehicle charging points, space for SME businesses and the use of local sub-contractors and apprentices. Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “The loan fits well with Trafford’s investment strategy and wider council goals, encouraging the creation of high quality employment space in-borough while requiring high environmental standards and social impacts, as well as providing income that can be reinvested in front line services. “The proposed quality of this scheme and the demand for this type of space from a range of businesses that want to move into or stay in Altrincham gives confidence that it will perform exceptionally well. We are pleased that the developer is re-using a number of existing buildings on site to create modern smaller units that will suit SME occupiers.” Dan Adamson, group finance director for Network Space, said: “We recognised the importance of this site to the local area when we acquired it just over a year ago. Since then, we have worked collaboratively with Trafford Council. This will be a best-in-class scheme and, together, we will maximise the positive impact of the project, delivering high quality employment space, jobs opportunities, inward investment and economic growth. “Planning consent is now in place to repurpose the existing buildings, alongside the delivery of new, energy efficient units. We have already received strong enquiries from a wide range of occupiers ranging from local businesses, trade occupiers to last mile urban logistics firms. “With a prospective occupier already in legals for the largest unit, the strength of the local market is very evident.” Network Space commenced the demolition in early May and is aiming for practical completion in spring 2023. The loan will be repaid in phases post completion. Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre by Network Space. The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying, AEW architects and Spawforths is the planning advisor.
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property company, has announced it will speculatively develop two new logistics centres at Prologis RFI DIRFT in Northamptonshire – a park recognised as the most successful intermodal road-rail hub in the UK. Designed to best-in-class sustainability standards, both buildings – DC327, with a floorspace of 327,044 sq. ft. and DC628, with a floorspace of 627,707 sq. ft. – will be net zero in construction. They are also targeting a BREEAM “Excellent” accreditation, an achievement less than 1 percent of new non-domestic buildings in the UK manage to achieve. In operation, both units will achieve an EPC A rating, including solar PV array installation which can flex to meet customers’ energy needs. Due to complete in summer 2023, the construction of these new logistics centres follows the development of a third rail terminal, linking to the existing DIRFT infrastructure and the West Coast Mainline railway. The site enjoys close proximity to the M1 and M6 motorways and to the A14 and A5 trunk roads. “This building is the exciting next step in our speculative development programme,” said Sally Duggleby, Vice President of Capital Deployment and Leasing, Prologis UK. “Our customers rely on us to provide modern, high-quality facilities in prime locations, and we work hard to anticipate their requirements.” The popularity of rail freight as part of a balanced, sustainable and resilient supply chain has grown over the past decade and today, over 6,500 trains – the equivalent of 200,000 freight containers – pass through the park each year. DIRFT is already home to household brands, such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco, and Prologis UK has recently built a new landmark facility for Royal Mail site, which serves as the company’s largest parcel hub in the UK.
