Clowes Developments has begun a multi-million-pound site remediation and enabling works programme at its recently acquired 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, paving the way for new industrial and warehouse development. The brownfield site, once home to the creation of the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is set to be transformed into a major commercial hub. The clean-up will tackle legacy contamination, preparing the land for up to 500,000 sq ft of modern employment space alongside the existing 200,000 sq ft RM Resources facility. Lead contractor TanRo has been appointed to deliver the complex works, which include ground remediation, groundwater treatment, earthworks, construction of retaining walls, drainage infrastructure, and road access improvements. The programme will run beyond an initial 20-week schedule, forming the first phase of long-term investment into the site. Although planning permission is already in place for six industrial and warehouse buildings, environmental remediation is essential before development can progress. The site’s strategic location, close to junctions 26 and 27 of the M1 and within half an hour of East Midlands Airport, Derby and Nottingham, makes it a prime choice for occupiers seeking new space in the region. Kevin Webster, Associate Development Director at Clowes Developments, said:“Harrier Park is a special site with a remarkable heritage, and we’re proud to be bringing it back into productive use. Our first major step is to address its long-standing issues with contamination. Our enabling works are designed to prepare the land for high-quality industrial development, and interest is already strong from potential occupiers looking for bespoke space in a well-connected location.” Clowes Developments is working with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site, with design-and-build opportunities available on both freehold and leasehold terms for units ranging from 60,000 to 206,000 sq ft. For enquiries, please contact: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Prologis has been selected to deliver a build-to-suit National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer at DIRFT — a flagship development that will support the transformation of the retailer’s food logistics network while showcasing Prologis’ expertise in designing and delivering highly complex logistics facilities. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the facility represents a £340 million investment — the largest in M&S’s food supply chain history — and forms a key part of the company’s strategy to double the size of its food business. The construction phase is expected to support over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 roles once operational — covering logistics, management, and technical engineering. The development combines chilled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space — all tailored to M&S’s operational requirements and growth ambitions. TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project. Located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the campus will be fully electric and designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating — an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainable building performance. Proven Build-to-Suit Expertise With decades of experience in land acquisition, site selection, permitting, construction and delivery, Prologis is uniquely positioned to manage complex, large-scale projects like this one. Its in-house teams streamline the process from design through delivery, ensuring maximized value engineering, accelerated timelines and reliable technical expertise at every step. By partnering with industry-leading architects, consultants and contractors, Prologis consistently delivers facilities on or ahead of schedule. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “M&S selected Prologis for our experience in delivering complex large-scale logistics projects designed to meet the highest environmental standards. This development enables a future-fit supply chain for M&S and brings lasting economic value to the Midlands — through skilled jobs, resilient infrastructure and investment in one of the UK’s most important logistics locations.” DIRFT: A Key Driver of Regional Growth This latest milestone takes Prologis’ leased or committed space at DIRFT III to over 75%, reinforcing the site’s role as one of the UK’s most mature intermodal logistics hubs. Currently, more than 10,000 people are employed across DIRFT in a growing range of logistics, operations, and technical roles. In 2023/24 alone, customers at DIRFT contributed £13.1 million in business rates. The site generates £219 million in annual GVA, making it one of the region’s most important economic assets. Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This investment is a strong signal of continued confidence in West Northamptonshire and wider South Midlands region as a centre of national and European logistics. As the UK’s largest inland port, DIRFT plays a critical role in supporting jobs, attracting business, and driving economic growth across the backbone of the UK. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on the long-term future of the site as it continues to evolve.” Setting New Standards for Sustainable Logistics On completion, the new M&S facility is expected to be the largest building in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification and is also targeting EPC A+. On-site features include a large-scale rooftop PV array, EV charging, energy-saving technologies, and extensive use of recycled materials — demonstrating how Prologis build-to-suit developments combine technical excellence with sustainable innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Britain’s warehouse and logistics sector is facing a decade-defining challenge, as new analysis warns that defence spending will create unprecedented demand for additional storage and distribution capacity across the country. According to research from Savills, the UK will require up to three million sq m of new warehouse space by 2032 to support the expansion of the nation’s defence manufacturing base. The figure, equivalent to more than 400 football pitches, highlights the scale of demand expected as government investment flows into the sector. The forecast follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to increase the UK’s annual defence budget by £40 billion by 2035. Major contractors such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce are preparing to expand operations to deliver on both domestic and allied commitments, creating a ripple effect through the wider warehouse and logistics market. To meet demand, the UK would need to deliver an average of 429,000 sq m of additional warehouse space every year until 2032. This comes on top of the long-term annual average of 650,000 sq m, placing the sector under significant pressure at a time when development is already constrained by high construction costs, expensive financing, and limited land availability. Prime warehouse rents are already on the rise, particularly in the South East. Around the M25, rents have nearly doubled since 2019, climbing from £215 per sq m to £398 per sq m in 2025. Analysts warn that defence sector expansion, combined with sustained e-commerce growth and reshoring strategies, could push rents higher still, placing further strain on occupiers across multiple industries. Andrew Blennerhassett, associate director in Savills’ industrial and logistics research team, commented: “Defence investment has the potential to reshape the UK warehouse market in a very short period of time. Policymakers must ensure land supply and planning approvals keep pace with demand. Otherwise, capacity constraints will quickly become a brake on both industrial output and national resilience.” The UK warehouse market has already seen major structural shifts since the pandemic, as manufacturers, retailers and distributors moved to secure greater domestic capacity. Defence now represents an additional layer of demand, with contractors and their supply chains expected to require new-build facilities, large-scale storage hubs, and modernised logistics parks. Developers and investors are responding. Sirius Real Estate, which holds more than £2 billion of warehouse assets in the UK and Germany, has brought in a former British Army major general as a strategic adviser to help capture opportunities created by the expansion of the defence sector. Andrew Coombs, chief executive of Sirius and a former Grenadier Guards officer, said: “Defence has the potential to become one of the most important drivers of demand for warehouse and logistics space over the next decade. These requirements will not only focus on capacity but also on quality, with an emphasis on resilience, efficiency and futureproofing. For landlords, the fact that much of this demand is ultimately government-backed adds a unique level of stability.” The scale of investment expected from defence contractors is likely to reshape warehouse development patterns across the UK. Regions with established defence and aerospace industries, including the North West, South West and Midlands, are forecast to see the strongest uplift in demand, with ripple effects across national distribution networks. However, analysts caution that unless the UK overcomes persistent barriers around planning and land availability, the challenge of creating sufficient warehouse capacity could become acute. With occupier expectations increasingly centred on ESG standards, energy efficiency and connectivity, there is also pressure on developers to deliver facilities that meet the sustainability benchmarks now standard in other sectors. For warehouse and logistics operators, the convergence of defence spending, e-commerce demand and reshoring strategies is set to drive sustained competition for prime space. As the market prepares for what could be a transformative decade, the role of the warehouse sector in underpinning both economic growth and national security is likely to become more visible than ever before. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has unveiled plans for two major logistics projects in the East Midlands, adding more than 1.5 million sq ft of new space to its UK pipeline. The first development, on an 80-acre site west of Northampton, recently secured hybrid planning consent at appeal. The scheme will deliver three Grade A units of 223,269 sq ft, 361,724 sq ft and 412,073 sq ft, strategically located just five miles from Junction 15A of the M1 at the A43/A5 interchange. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with completion expected by the second half of 2028. The investment is valued at approximately £152.9 million. The second site, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, sits just 1.25 miles from the A1 and 10 miles from Junction 31 of the M1, offering excellent links across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. With outline planning consent already secured, the 27-acre site will accommodate a single 462,000 sq ft unit, available for lease. Backed by an investment of around £50.7 million, construction is due to start in early 2026 and complete in 2027. Worksop is recognised as a thriving logistics hub, supported by strong occupier demand, competitive rental levels and a readily available workforce. Major operators, including DHL and B&Q, already operate large-scale distribution facilities nearby. Both sites will be built to Panattoni’s highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A ratings and net zero carbon in construction. Key features include PV solar systems, EV charging points, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. Andrew Preston, Head of Development: North Midlands & Yorkshire, said: “This new site in Worksop is a rare opportunity to deliver a large-scale, best-in-class logistics unit in an area of proven demand. The location and infrastructure make it ideal for rapid delivery, and we’re excited to bring forward a highly sustainable scheme that aligns with market needs and our ESG commitments.” Gregg Titley, Head of Development: East & West Midlands, added: “Expanding again in Northampton strengthens our long-term strategy to grow in key logistics corridors where supply is constrained. This is a prime site with exceptional transport links, and we are proud to be delivering a landmark development that will serve as a gateway hub for the Midlands and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Heathrow Airport has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver the redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park, a 1.6-hectare site being transformed into a state-of-the-art logistics hub. The £multi-million project will see the creation of four modern warehouse buildings, split into 32 flexible units ranging between 200 and 400 sq m at ground level, with the potential for occupiers to expand into full first floors. The development replaces the site’s original post-war buildings, constructed in the 1950s and recently demolished, with a new generation of sustainable Grade A logistics space. In line with Heathrow’s commitment to lower-carbon development, most building elements will be manufactured offsite before being transported and assembled on site. The scheme includes 16-metre continuous roof panels incorporating gutters and solar arrays, cross-laminated timber roof sections, and a pre-assembled steel frame designed for efficient installation. Together, these features will help the buildings generate over 700kWh of renewable electricity annually, exporting surplus power back into Heathrow’s network. Construction will take place over a 12–18 month period within the constraints of a live operational airport. The site presents a number of complexities, including obstacle limitation surface (OLS) height restrictions ranging from nine to 13.5 metres, as well as essential services running beneath the development. McLaren has worked closely with Heathrow to design a safe and cost-effective methodology that avoids the need for out-of-hours working while ensuring programme certainty. David Gavin, McLaren Construction’s managing director for industrial and logistics, said: “Heathrow’s role as a global hub creates huge opportunities not only in cargo handling but also for the many services that keep the airport running. This redevelopment is a step change from the site’s post-war buildings, delivering flexible, sustainable warehouses that will play an integral part in the airport’s future infrastructure.” Alistair Awcock, infrastructure director for Heathrow, added: “This investment will provide prime logistics accommodation for our partners while modernising and strengthening our perimeter property portfolio. It underlines our commitment to customer service and to creating modern, sustainable facilities at the heart of the airport.” The project, supported by a specialist subcontractor team, is expected to complete in summer 2026 and stands as one of Heathrow’s spotlight schemes demonstrating new approaches to low-carbon construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Indurent has marked its first year of trading with impressive results, recording more than £1 billion of investment and portfolio growth of nearly 20 per cent across its UK logistics and industrial holdings. The company was formed in July 2024 through the merger of St. Modwen Logistics and Industrials REIT, combining development expertise with a substantial landbank and an advanced operating platform. Since then, Indurent has expanded its workforce by almost a third to 230 employees and now supports a customer base of over 2,500, ranging from local SMEs to global corporations such as Amazon, as well as creative firms like N2 Creative, which builds sets for the television series Gangs of London. Over the past twelve months, Indurent has increased its national portfolio from approximately 27 million sq ft to 32 million sq ft, spanning both multi-let industrial estates and large-scale logistics facilities. This expansion has been underpinned by significant acquisitions and a robust development pipeline. Julian Carey, chief executive of Indurent, said: “The momentum achieved in our first year reflects both the strength of our assets and the demand for high-quality, sustainable logistics space. We’ve been able to scale rapidly, delivering modern facilities in prime locations and leveraging digital tools like our Hive platform to provide a streamlined, customer-focused experience. Industrial and logistics real estate is increasingly recognised as the backbone of the modern economy, and we are proud to be playing a central role in its growth.” Indurent’s assets have attracted a broad range of new tenants. Over the past year, more than 2.4 million sq ft of space was leased across nearly 450 transactions. Notable agreements included furniture brand Herman Miller taking 110,000 sq ft at Indurent Park Chippenham, and aviation services specialist AerFin relocating its headquarters to a 116,000 sq ft office and industrial facility at Indurent Park Newport, doubling its capacity. The company has also invested over £10 million in technology, accelerating the rollout of Hive, its proprietary digital operating platform. Hive enables a fully digitised leasing process, from virtual tours to instant onboarding. The system has proven particularly effective for smaller lettings, with three quarters of sub-5,000 sq ft deals now completed directly online, often within days of enquiry. Looking ahead, Indurent plans to build on its strong first year by continuing to invest in sustainable developments, customer-focused technology, and prime logistics locations across the UK. With planning reform, rising occupier demand and ongoing supply constraints driving momentum, the company is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of both local businesses and global operators. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hortons has unveiled more than 200,000 sq ft of premium warehouse/logistics space at Saxon Park in Corby. The scheme comprises two new units, Saxon 79 at 78,500 sq ft and Saxon 129 at 129,300 sq ft, created through the full redevelopment of a single, vacant warehouse. Located off Saxon Way West, within the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle’, the new units have been refurbished to a high-quality specification, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Saxon 79 and Saxon 129 are EPC A+ rated and incorporate energy efficient features such as LED lighting, photovoltaic roof panels and electric vehicle charging points. Both offer a 12.5-metre clear eaves height and generous yard depths of 45–55 metres, while Saxon 129 benefits from a 1 MVA power supply with capacity to increase. The units are available for immediate occupation. A third new unit, known as Saxon 68, is currently under construction and will deliver 68,250 sq ft of Grade A accommodation when complete in Q4 2025. The new developments follow Hortons’ successful refurbishment of Saxon 58, a 58,350 sq ft warehouse unit at Saxon Park, which was let to Russell & Bromley. James Slater of Hortons said: “This redevelopment represents a significant investment in Saxon Park and forms part of our wider commitment to deliver high quality, sustainable industrial space across the Midlands. Saxon 79 and Saxon 129 provide Grade A accommodation in a highly sought after logistics location that has been designed to meet modern occupier requirements.” Saxon Park is located on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, four miles southwest of Corby town centre and five miles north of Kettering. It benefits from excellent road connectivity via the A6003 and A14, providing links to the M1/M6 and A1/M11 motorways. DTRE and TDB Real Estate are acting as joint letting agents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

After the terrific success of the first phase of development at Stud Brook Business Park, Clowes Developments are now cracking on with their contractors Roe Developments with the next phase of smaller units ranging from circa 3,000 sq ft to 9,000 sq ft. Benefitting from terrific prominence and visibility off the new Castle Donington bypass and set next to a trading Starbucks and Sainsbury’s Convenience Store, the units should be ready for occupation early in 2026 and would suit occupiers looking for trade counter, warehouse or industrial space.  One of the few small new build schemes that is progressing throughout the East Midlands at present, the second phase of Stud Brook follows on from the development of nine new warehouse/industrial units on the site, where over two-thirds of the site was let prior to practical completion. Interest in the smaller units is already strong and occupiers are encouraged to register their interest with the agents who would be delighted to show them around as small units of this quality rarely come to the market, particularly with such prominence and accessibility whilst sitting in a prime location equally distant between Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and within moments of the M1 motorway and A50. To see the progress on site, Clowes have installed live cameras which can be accessed via https://clowes-studbrook.co.uk/ providing moment by moment progress on the site, highlighting the quality of build and location. Agents for the scheme are Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants and Richard Sutton of NG Chartered Surveyors, and Tim Gilbertson commented: “It’s great to see smaller units being constructed in such a prime location in the East Midlands.  With main road prominence and visibility, these would be ideal for trade counter use or industrial/warehouse purposes.  I can’t remember the last time such a prime location was offered for smaller units so hopefully they will be snapped up quickly”. Richard Sutton of NG Chartered Surveyors added: “As Tim says, good quality space in such a prime position almost never comes to market, so it really is great to see our clients developing out here and helping smaller business owners take advantage of a fantastic location”. For full information on the scheme and availability, please do contact either FHP Property Consultants (0115 950 7577) or NG Chartered Surveyors (0115 958 8599). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A significant milestone has been reached in St Helens with the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West, a major 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North. To celebrate the achievement, stakeholders and project partners gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of St Helens Borough Council for a formal handover ceremony. The event marked the successful delivery of the final phase of the wider Omega West scheme. Developed by Miller Developments and forward funded by Indurent, the new facility combines high-specification warehousing with office space and has been built to the highest operational and environmental standards. Indurent 420 features a two-storey main office, hub office, extensive warehouse space, car parking, and landscaped green areas. It has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC A+, underlining its strong sustainability credentials. Throughout construction, sustainability remained a priority. All machinery on site operated using alternative fuels, construction waste was managed using the Smartwaste platform, and the site achieved a full cut-and-fill balance by reusing all excavated cohesive materials. The facility includes enhanced photovoltaic panels, natural roof lighting to reduce energy use, and infrastructure to support future EV charging. Surrounding the building is a newly created wildflower meadow and other green spaces designed to promote biodiversity. McLaren also prioritised health and safety, delivering more than 139,299 working hours with over 750 personnel on site—without a single reportable incident (RIDDOR). Community engagement played a key role in the project’s success. McLaren’s team maintained regular communication with local stakeholders through newsletters and council updates and organised school outreach events to promote careers in construction. The company also contributed to the community through social value initiatives, including timber donations to local charities, career events at area schools and colleges, and sponsorship of the Woolton Santos U9 football team. Laptops were also donated to Martin Murray’s local boxing academy. Efforts to boost local employment included hiring a Senior Site Manager from the St Helens area and offering work experience placements, including a student from Warrington College. The project also prioritised the use of local suppliers and materials. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re very proud to have marked the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West with our partners and stakeholders on site. This development continues McLaren’s strong legacy at Omega and reflects the power of collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to delivering high-performance logistics infrastructure.” David Milloy, Managing Director of Miller Developments, added: “This celebration marks not just the end of a successful build but the continuation of our long-term vision for Omega. McLaren has once again delivered a best-in-class development, and we thank the team for their professionalism, collaboration, and shared ambition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Mileway, the leading pan-European last mile logistics real estate company, has signed a ten-year lease agreement with Rubies, one of the largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of licensed dress up products in the world, and Smiffys, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of fancy dress costumes, wigs, accessories and make-up, for 170,000 sq ft (c. 15,700 sqm) of high-quality warehouse and office space at Space 170, 1 Pighue Lane, in Liverpool.  Under a Joint Venture agreement, Rubies and Smiffys will transition to the new facility in August 2025. The new space will mark a significant step in improving the company’s operational performance, fulfilment speed and customer service capabilities. This includes being able to optimise the warehouse layout and racking for faster, more efficient order fulfilment, increasing its inventory capacity and enhancing delivery accuracy.   To support the company’s growing operational needs, the modern facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) to support real-time inventory tracking, streamlined workflows and improved system reliability. Other features include racking capacity for up to 14,000 pallets, a 9-metre eaves height, 13 dock-level loading doors, three level-access doors, two large secure yard areas, a 500 kVA power supply, and a fully fitted two-storey office and amenities block.   Strategically located near the M62 with access to the M57, M6 and Liverpool Ring Road, the property is well connected to the wider Northwest region, including the Port of Liverpool, the JLR factory and the New Mersey Crossing. It also benefits from proximity to key public transport links and local amenities, including the redeveloped Edge Lane Retail Park.  “We worked closely with Rubies and Smiffys to meet their specific and tight scheduling requirements, successfully ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum.  We look forward to building a long-term partnership as they enter this exciting phase of growth and operational transformation,” said Andrew Jones, Mileway Managing Director UK & Ireland.  “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of enhanced operational excellence and improved customer service. This strategic move represents our dedication to serving our customers better, especially in time for the Halloween season. The modern facility and upgraded technology will allow us to fulfil orders more efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and increased stock availability,” said Fran Hales, Head of Portfolio and Marketing at Rubies.  “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this move to our new Liverpool location will ensure an improved and optimised process for every order that leaves our distribution facility. This customised fulfilment centre has been developed with our product range in mind, allowing for an improved service and more efficient order fulfilment. We’re looking forward to heading into our busiest season better equipped than ever to support our customers and meet demands,” said Elliott Peckett, Sales Director at Smiffys.  B8 Real Estate served as agents on the deal.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals