Winvic Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) project, building on their success as the design stage delivery partner to Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP). With 8 million sq ft of commercial space planned for the 734-acre
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) are pleased to announce the off-market acquisition of 14.8-acres in Heathrow, West London from Stonegate Homes. The business plan is to speculatively develop a Grade A urban logistics development with a GDV of c.£60m. This represents the fourth acquisition for the Fiera Real Estate
Panattoni is the largest logistics real estate developer in Europe for the seventh year in a row, according to PropertyEU’s annual survey of logistics developers. Panattoni delivered more than 86 million sq ft of warehouse space in 302 developments over the three years to the end of 2022, which was more than three times the amount of its nearest competitor. Panattoni currently has
GLP, the leading global investment manager and business builder in logistics, digital infrastructure, renewable energy and related technologies, and Syzygy, Europe’s leading consultancy in renewable energy, energy storage and electric vehicle infrastructure projects, have completed work on G-Park Zevenaar. Syzygy has supported GLP for the past three years to establish
NORTH Ayrshire Council Planning Committee has granted full planning permission for XLCC’s HVDC subsea cable manufacturing operations in Hunterston, Scotland. The decision paves the way for construction to commence and follows outline planning permission granted last year. Having received essential management and design support from leading independent construction, property, and infrastructure consultancy Pick
Prologis, the UK’s leading owner and developer of logistics property, has announced two changes in its Capital Deployment & Leasing team as it continues to pave the way in an evolving market. Ian Romano steps up to Vice President – Head of Land and Development and will widen his current
Work has completed on a speculative unit at the popular Worcester Six Business Park, commercial property developer Stoford has announced. Cabot 38, which comprises 34,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space and 4,073 sq ft of offices, has been specified to suit a range of occupiers and has E(g), B2
Scheme extends to a total development (GEA) of 302,844 sq ft across six highly sustainable new industrial warehouse buildings. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has just announced that it has been appointed by leading property development company Wrenbridge and specialist
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun speculatively developing a 268,063 sq ft last-mile logistics development at Brighton. Panattoni Park Brighton will comprise of seven units, ranging from 19,834 sq ft to 55,632 sq ft, which will be built to a BREEAM rating
Winvic Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) project, building on their success as the design stage delivery partner to Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP). With 8 million sq ft of commercial space planned for the 734-acre site, the £1bn WMI Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) will be the UKs largest intermodal logistics site when it is completed by 2034. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, added: “During Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), Winvic has worked for over twelve months as the design stage partner on West Midlands Interchange and with the fantastic relationships built with Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners in that time, Winvic is primed to deliver the first phase civils and infrastructure works. We are known for the successful delivery of similar intermodal logistics schemes, sustainable projects and employment and training opportunities to local people, so we look forward to applying our tried and tested collaborative approach to create this best-in-class logistics park and Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI)” Commencing in 2023, Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects will deliver phase one works; comprising new road infrastructure and works to the existing road and public rights of way network, reconfiguration and undergrounding of energy infrastructure, and the earthworks required to create development plots and landscape zones. John Pagdin, Head of UK Business, Logistics Capital Partners, remarked, “We are delighted to be working with Winvic again following earlier successful collaborations to deliver the UKs newest and most exciting Strategic Rail Freight Site. Winvic’s experience in designing and constructing similar schemes and their credentials in engaging with local and regional stakeholders will ensure that the phase one works will be delivered sustainably and collaboratively.” Winvic will be working to an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses during the construction phase, including providing employment, apprenticeships and trainee positions. An Employment Fund Steering Group has already been established in collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire County Council to maximise these opportunities. In an additional local focus, communities adjoining the site have been consulted on the features for 109 acres of country parkland to be created to the northwest and southeast of the site, which will provide recreational opportunities for local people as well as protect and enhance biodiversity in the area. Robin Everall, Head of Development, Europe at Oxford Properties, commented, “Winvic possess an impressive track record of executing large-scale, complex schemes and we are pleased to welcome their expertise to the project team as we deliver a best-in-class logistics park with occupier demand, technological advancements and environmental, social and governance principles at its core.” The WMI scheme was granted planning permission in May 2020 and is being financed and delivered by Oxford Properties, the property arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS, who acquired the WMI site in July 2021, in partnership with European developer LCP. As well as helping to attract global business and investment, WMI will create more than 8,500 new jobs and apprenticeships during development, construction and operation, boosting employment and training opportunities for people in the Midlands region. For more information on the project visit www.westmidlandsinterchange.co.uk If you have a query and would like to contact the project team, you can reach WMI via: Email: contactus@communityrelations.co.ukTelephone: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on the freephone number 0800 377 7345
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Manse Opus. Consisting of four industrial warehouses with associated offices, construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) on behalf of Manse Opus, started earlier this year and are due to complete in March 2024. Spanning a total of 1,739,598 sq. ft, the four commercial speculative units will predominantly comprise a cladded portal frame with a CAT A open plan layout and the site will feature an external logistics yard with a level and dock access area and dedicated car parking spaces with electric charging points, alongside landscaped communal areas. Designed to meet a BREEAM Excellent rating, units will be highly energy efficient in design with the application of roof top PVs and rainwater harvesting tanks. Offices have been designed as largely open plan to provide flexibility to prospective tenants, and the architecture has focused on the business culture and purpose of the technology park, reflecting the current variety of highly skilled professions already present within the surrounding developments. The scheme will also entail a large and complex earthworks operation prior to construction with extensive infrastructure works needed to access the plots and associated balancing ponds to accommodate storm water. All removed earth will also be reused back within the site to reduce waste and provide a greater circular approach. Prior to works commencing, great crested newts were identified and relocated, and protective fencing was erected to the perimeter of the site. As part of the wider landscaping scheme, new ecological areas will continue to be developed during the construction and population of the site. Giving back to the local community, voluntary works are due to be carried out at the Grace Academy during the summer, to create a sensory open space for the students to enjoy. Last year, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) completed construction works for Manse Opus, on a new 94,000 sq. ft regional headquarters for Cadent Gas – the UK’s largest gas distribution network. Project Holst marks the second scheme at the park that McLaren Construction and Manse Opus have partnered together for, following more than three years of collaboration. Managing director, Gary Cramp, said: “It’s excellent to be partnering with Manse Opus again for the further expansion of Prospero Ansty Park and we have a strong relationship formed over many years successfully working together. “Prospero Ansty Park is a fast-growing business and industrial hub for the West Midlands, and we’re very pleased to be bringing our client’s vision to life with Project Holst, providing central high-specification commercial office space, ideally positioned to cater to clients in the industrial and logistics sector. “We have managed to overcome challenges with this site – including battling with the wettest March on record in 20 years. However, our dedicated team of skilled contractors managed to stay dedicated to the programme and timeline.” Richard Smith, director of Manse Opus, said: “I am delighted for the third time now to be working with McLaren in delivering this massively important logistics and industrial scheme comprising four buildings between 117,000 sq. ft and 300,000 sq. ft, to be completed between December 2023 and March 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) are pleased to announce the off-market acquisition of 14.8-acres in Heathrow, West London from Stonegate Homes. The business plan is to speculatively develop a Grade A urban logistics development with a GDV of c.£60m. This represents the fourth acquisition for the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund UK (“FRELD”) which has a further c.£200m to deploy into similar logistics sites across the UK. The business plan is to obtain planning and speculatively build 110,570 sqft logistics scheme comprising 3 units ranging from 22,131 sq.ft to 58,127 sq.ft. The units will have 12m eaves, dock and level access doors, 50kn floor loading, and 10-15% office content. As with all assets in Fiera’s logistics Fund’s portfolio, the scheme will be targeting an ESG exemplar specification to include EPCA+, Net Zero Carbon construction and BREEAM Excellent rating. The site is situated on Staines Road, a prime location in West London and benefits from excellent access to the M4, M3 and M25, 1.5 miles from Heathrow Airport and first-rate rail links. Approximately 2.1million people live within a 45-minute drive and the local population of Hounslow has grown by 13.5% in the last 10 years. There is robust demand for the proposed unit sizes and hugely constrained supply as a function of land availability and greenbelt designations in the local area. Jeff Wilson, Director of Wrenbridge, commented “We are excited to announce our latest prime logistics acquisition and push ahead with delivering a highly sustainable scheme with Fiera, which is designed to push the bar and create best in class space for a range of occupiers.” Chris Button, Fund Manager of Fiera Real Estate, commented “We are delighted to be delivering much needed, sustainable high-quality urban warehousing to local area. The scheme will make a strong contribution to the local economy boosting local jobs. We are keen for more high calibre sites for the portfolio to satisfy the capital we have to deploy.” Wrenbridge and Fiera were advised by Regency Real Estate and Avison Young. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni is the largest logistics real estate developer in Europe for the seventh year in a row, according to PropertyEU’s annual survey of logistics developers. Panattoni delivered more than 86 million sq ft of warehouse space in 302 developments over the three years to the end of 2022, which was more than three times the amount of its nearest competitor. Panattoni currently has more than 43 million sq ft of warehouse space under construction with an investment value of €5 billion, which is nearly 30% of the entire European development market of 150 million sq ft, according to PropertyEU. Each year, PropertyEU publishes a list of the largest logistics real estate developers, based on the volume of floorspace delivered to the market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP, the leading global investment manager and business builder in logistics, digital infrastructure, renewable energy and related technologies, and Syzygy, Europe’s leading consultancy in renewable energy, energy storage and electric vehicle infrastructure projects, have completed work on G-Park Zevenaar. Syzygy has supported GLP for the past three years to establish the company’s pan-European solar PV strategy, as well as the tactics to make its portfolio more sustainable through embedded renewable energy generation. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex and represents a major investment in renewable energy by GLP Europe. The site is one of four in the company’s PV programme. G-Park Zevenaar, located at the business park 7Poort, close to the German border near the Rhine River, is a hugely significant embedded solar PV project in the Netherlands. The business park houses a vast roof-mounted solar PV system with a total installed capacity of 16.2MWp. It covers an area the size of 21 football pitches and saving 4,629 tonnes of CO2 per year and an anticipated 78,227 tonnes of CO2 across a 25-year lifespan. The impressive development was installed by solar deployment leaders Ecorus BV and is set to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification. At nearly 11.5 hectares, G-Park Zevenaar is now the second largest solar PV installation on a logistics building in the Netherlands, and among the top 20 largest installations in Europe. The project was granted the SDE++ subsidy – a government-funded incentive to stimulate sustainable energy production and facilitate the wider energy transition. In addition, the energy generated will be exported to the grid and part of it will be diverted to the tenant for on-site consumption. This will improve revenue potential and deliver the benefit of Guarantee of Origin (GoOs) to both the landlord and occupiers. Stefano Fissolo, Senior Director for Renewables at GLP Europe, commented: “Through our collaborative partnership with Syzygy, GLP is set firmly on its path to achieve its net zero goals through the development of one of Europe’s largest PV installations. The economic benefits that customers will enjoy through the cost savings in energy reduction will be just one of many attractions this project will offer to future occupiers. This is only the start of our ambitious European renewables programme; we’re excited to roll out further projects and utilise the latest technologies to maintain our industry-leading position in sustainability.” John Macdonald-Brown, CEO of Syzygy, commented: “It has been an incredible journey to get to this point with our friends at GLP. This started in March 2020 as we all went into lockdown with a deep dive research project to support the development of a pan-European renewable energy strategy for Natali Cooper and Nick Cook at GLP. These projects do not happen overnight and we can only praise the extraordinary work our European research Director, Cecile Bousquet who has led this initiative since we started. We are just the supporting cast. We cannot thank GLP enough for their drive and commitment to actually ‘getting things done’ and showing real leadership in this space. GLP has had their customers at the heart of this strategy throughout – it is impossible to deliver decarbonisation, at scale and in a commercially sustainable way, without genuine collaboration with your customers. GLP’s plans from here are impressive and there is much more coming down the line which is really exciting. Zevenaar is the second Netherlands project to have been delivered, but its scale is quite extraordinary – the size of 20 football pitches, generating enough power to supply 3,000 homes or to drive over 4.5m emission—free miles in an electric vehicle!” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NORTH Ayrshire Council Planning Committee has granted full planning permission for XLCC’s HVDC subsea cable manufacturing operations in Hunterston, Scotland. The decision paves the way for construction to commence and follows outline planning permission granted last year. Having received essential management and design support from leading independent construction, property, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard, work on the site will start in early 2024 with cable production slated for 2026. Development of the brownfield site will create a new UK industry to support global decarbonisation targets. By 2025, the facility will support 900 jobs in the area, with thousands more in the wider supply chain. Santosh Patel, director at Pick Everard who has been working closely on the project, said: “We’re proud to be involved and at the forefront of this project, helping to create a new high tech green industry for the UK. Reaching this milestone and securing full planning permission is a huge step in realising this cutting-edge project’s potential. “We want the HVDC cable factory to be a beacon for others and an example of commitment to supporting our country’s drive to net zero. To reach our goals, expanding our solar and wind infrastructure is crucial, and this factory will help massively in accomplishing this.” Demand for high-voltage cables is set to increase six-fold over the next seven years, as many countries look globally to expand their sources of renewable energy. XLCC’s first order is for four 3,800km long cables to connect solar and wind renewable power generation in the Sahara to the UK for the Xlinks Morocco-UK power project. XLCC has also secured additional MOUs for domestic projects. XLCC CEO, Ian Douglas, said: “To deliver the energy transition and achieve net zero, the improved global transmission of electricity is critical. Put simply, there can be no transition without transmission. As demand for HVDC cables continues to boom, we are excited to bring such a significant project to an area with a proud industrial pedigree. “We thank the local community and North Ayrshire Council for their constructive engagement and support during the process, and we look forward to working with them and other local partners to ensure the factory delivers maximum benefits to Hunterston and the wider region.” To learn more about Pick Everard, visit its website here: www.pickeverard.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis, the UK’s leading owner and developer of logistics property, has announced two changes in its Capital Deployment & Leasing team as it continues to pave the way in an evolving market. Ian Romano steps up to Vice President – Head of Land and Development and will widen his current remit to encompass regions outside the Midlands (excluding London) and will lead on land acquisition and development activities. Ian will act as a key partner to Prologis’ Development Management team, ensuring the business is aligned on delivering the next generation of Prologis Parks. As Vice President – Head of Leasing, Sally Duggleby will be responsible for all leasing activity across Prologis’ UK estate, including speculative, second generation and lease renewals. Sally will also act as a key partner to Prologis’ customer facing teams to ensure a customer-centric view throughout commercial negotiations. Both Sally and Ian will continue to report to Robin Woodbridge, Head of Capital Deployment & Leasing UK, who will also maintain direct responsibility for the London team whilst remaining strongly embedded in all activity at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT); the business’ largest UK asset. Paul Weston, Regional Head, Prologis UK, said: “In addition to our strengths in the ‘big box’ market, Prologis UK’s position has evolved significantly over the past five years, with our portfolio now featuring urban logistics, data centres, and life sciences, with further development on the horizon. “These changes to the Capital Deployment & Leasing team will ensure we have the right people focused on two of our core activities of development and leasing, both of which are becoming increasingly challenging to navigate. “Sally and Ian have both made significant contributions to the business’ strategic development so far, and I am confident they will continue to do so in their new positions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has completed on a speculative unit at the popular Worcester Six Business Park, commercial property developer Stoford has announced. Cabot 38, which comprises 34,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space and 4,073 sq ft of offices, has been specified to suit a range of occupiers and has E(g), B2 and B8 planning consent. The unit, adjacent to ZwickRoell and Kimal, benefits from photovoltaic roof panels and has achieved an EPC A rating. Overall, Worcester Six has a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’. Edward Peel, Director at Stoford, said: “We are delighted to have completed the building, which has been funded by international private equity real estate firm Cabot Properties. The unit is our tenth at Worcester Six. It has been completed to an extremely high specification and is already attracting interest from potential tenants.” “Our significant investment in Worcester Six over the past few years has led to the creation of a high-quality business park that has attracted a number of world-class businesses to the region,” he said. “I’ve no doubt the quality of Cabot 38 will ensure another ambitious company will want to play its part in this success story. “Not only is it a success story for local business and enterprise, it is also good news from an environmental point of view as we are safeguarding the valuable green space and preserving the rich, diverse wildlife there. We’re proud to be delivering on our environmental remit, too.” Stoford has worked with Worcestershire’s Green Infrastructure (GI) Partnership to create a long-term GI Concept Plan, which will see the developer putting aside 6.55ha of the site for natural habitats and landscaping, in addition to on-plot landscaping. Worcester Six Business Park is home to Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira, ZwickRoell, Alliance Flooring Distribution and IONOS. Once fully developed, it will provide 2.1 million sq ft of accommodation. For enquiries, contact Charles D’Auncey and Sara Garratt at Harris Lamb – Charles.Dauncey@harrislamb.com, sara.garratt@harrislamb.com, or Ben Wiley, Seb Moseley or Giles Thomas at BNP Paribas Real Estate: Ben.Wiley@realestate.bnpparibas, Giles.Thomas@realestate.bnpparibas, Seb.Moseley@realestate.bnpparibas For more details about Worcester Six, visit www.worcester6.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scheme extends to a total development (GEA) of 302,844 sq ft across six highly sustainable new industrial warehouse buildings. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has just announced that it has been appointed by leading property development company Wrenbridge and specialist sustainable and impact investor Bridges Fund Management, to build a new six-unit industrial warehouse development totalling 302,844 sq ft at a strategic development site in Aylesford, Kent, named Click Aylesford. The works will see construction of six highly sustainable new industrial warehouse buildings, completed in shell form with finished open plan offices at first floor, resulting in total development GEA of 302,844 sq ft. The project is adjacent to the M20 motorway and a Network Rail line and includes Section 278 works. Construction of the development is due to start in July and is expected to take 52 weeks, with the expected PC by the end of August 2024. Commenting on the announcement, Greg Wright Glencar Operations director said: “Repeat business is the best business, and we are very pleased to once again be working in partnership with our long standing and much valued customer Wrenbridge, and its partner, Bridges Fund Management, to deliver this fantastic new industrial development at Little Preston in Aylesford. We are also currently on site with Wrenbridge and Bridges Fund Management at Lily House, Basingstoke, and we have previously delivered a five-unit industrial scheme for Wrenbridge – The Bridge in Dartford, which once again demonstrates the strength of our partnership and supply chain. We look forward to working with the team onsite including KAM, Chetwoods, and Sweco and delivering a great new facility for this important customer.” Also commenting Alistair Dunsdon of Wrenbridge, said: “We are very excited to kick start the delivery phase of this major scheme alongside our funding partner Bridges Fund Management and construction partner Glencar. The scheme which is ideally situated in a strategic location off the M20 will provide high quality buildings and achieve market leading sustainability credentials. We look forward to starting on site in the next few weeks and having these units available for local, regional and national businesses by the summer of 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun speculatively developing a 268,063 sq ft last-mile logistics development at Brighton. Panattoni Park Brighton will comprise of seven units, ranging from 19,834 sq ft to 55,632 sq ft, which will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ to prioritise energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. They will benefit from eaves ranging from minimum 7m to 10m, 15% roof lights and EV charging for vans and cars. The development is scheduled for completion in Q2 of 2024. Situated adjacent to Brighton City Airport and the A27 dual carriageway, Panattoni Park Brighton will deliver much-needed Grade-A space within this fast-growing region. It will be the third development for Panattoni this year south of London, joining a 452,469 sq ft last-mile development at Burgess Hill and a 200,000 sq ft development in Crawley. This reflects Panattoni’s confidence in the strength of the south coast logistics market, where the demand-supply imbalance is acute. David McGougan, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “This development presents a very rare industrial and logistics opportunity. Panattoni Park Brighton is the ideal location for last-mile delivery operations looking to address consumer markets clustering the south coast. We look forward to bring forward these speculative units. “Brighton and Hove is predicted to become one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing economies by the end of 2023”. Letting agents at Panattoni Park Brighton are DTRE, Savills and SHW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals