Commercial : Industrial News
Full occupancy at Prologis Park Midpoint as Top Cloud takes DC6

Full occupancy at Prologis Park Midpoint as Top Cloud takes DC6

Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, welcomes new customer Top Cloud Logistics Ltd (TopCloud) to Prologis Park Midpoint in Birmingham. The Chinese e-tailer has signed a 15-year lease on DC6, a new 164,103 sq. ft. logistics facility in the North East of the city, joining JLR,

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SEGRO attracts surge of new customers to Slough Trading Estate

SEGRO attracts surge of new customers to Slough Trading Estate

SEGRO has secured over 60,000 sq ft of new lettings at Slough Trading Estate, welcoming a diverse group of dynamic businesses across logistics, engineering manufacturing and construction From immersive entertainment and aerospace engineering to advanced manufacturing and specialist contracting, the latest deals underscore the continued strength of occupier demand and

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New Luton development honours community’s rich history

New Luton development honours community’s rich history

Enabling works at Prologis Park Luton are well underway, marking the start of an exciting transformation for the former Vauxhall site on Osborne Road. With demolition and groundworks progressing on schedule, the site is set to be fully prepared for redevelopment to commence on site by Q3 2025.   This major regeneration

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McPhillips completes state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Bruderer UK

McPhillips completes state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Bruderer UK

Award-winning construction specialist McPhillips has successfully delivered a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for press manufacturer Bruderer UK. The 10,000 square metre bespoke factory and showroom at Hortonwood in Telford was completed on schedule and serves as the company’s new world class ‘competence centre’, replacing its former base in Luton. The facility

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Plans for dynamic Midlands commercial hub to be displayed at UKREiiF

Plans for dynamic Midlands commercial hub to be displayed at UKREiiF

Plans to create a dynamic new commercial hub in Warwickshire – as part of a wider regeneration scheme – will be showcased at a major property forum. Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), Warwickshire County Council’s arms-length property development company, will show off its vision for Fusiliers Way, located between

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Developer submits plans for Project Halo

Developer submits plans for Project Halo

Developer Network Space has submitted a full planning application for Project Halo—a high-tech employment development at the St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus. Located on a five-acre site off the A570 James Roby Way, the scheme proposes four state-of-the-art ‘Tech Box’ units designed to support life science and advanced manufacturing

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Network Space submits planning application for 'Project Halo' Life Sciences Hub at St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus

Network Space submits planning application for ‘Project Halo’ Life Sciences Hub at St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus

Network Space Developments (NSD) has submitted a full planning application for a cutting-edge employment development at the St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus. The Project Halo proposal relates to a five-acre council-owned site located off the A570 James Roby Way and seeks to deliver four state-of-the-art “Tech Box” units –

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Panattoni acquires 35-acre Essex site to deliver major logistics hub

Panattoni acquires 35-acre Essex site to deliver major logistics hub

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has confirmed the acquisition of a prominent development site at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex. The project, known as Panattoni Park Braintree, is set to deliver 575,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art industrial and logistics space, bolstering both local and regional

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

Two new business units at former contaminated Shawfield site now complete

Two new business units at former contaminated Shawfield site now complete

Two High Value Manufacturing industrial units have been built on formerly contaminated land which had been described as one of the most polluted inner-city sites in the UK. The units were completed ‘on time and on budget’ after a funding boost from the Scottish Government. Named Innovation Shawfield, the South Lanarkshire development was visited by the Scottish Government Investment Minister, Tom Arthur on 27th May, to inspect the newly finished commercial spaces that form the first phase of a new £500 million regeneration programme called ‘Clyde Gateway Innovation’. Innovation Shawfield has been jointly funded by the UK Government, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Clyde Gateway, with additional funding for further infrastructure works also being provided by South Lanarkshire Council. The works are spearheaded by Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest regeneration project, which in addition to the construction of the two new units, also includes further site acquisition and remediation works as well as the treatment of contaminants from the old chemical works near the Polmadie Burn. The site has been remediated over a number of years, transforming derelict land that had otherwise lain empty for decades, into an area of investment, growth, opportunity and job creation. Built on the former J&J Whites Chemical plant, also known as Shawfield Chemical Works, which operated from 1820 to 1967 and at one point produced up to 70% of the UK’s chromate products. This activity generated significant volumes of hazardous chromium waste, which continues to be remediated by Clyde Gateway.  Remediation works initially commenced in Shawfield in 2013, which led to the construction of ‘Red Tree Magenta’, a 40,000sq. ft managed office building, which opened in December 2018 and now supports 21 companies and over 180 jobs. This latest £8.75m project is part of a £25m investment programme currently underway on site, which includes a £14.6m contribution in November 2023 from the UK Government (formerly Levelling Up Funding Round 3), £1.2m from Scottish Enterprise and £7.5m from The Scottish Government, with Clyde Gateway and South Lanarkshire Council contributing the remainder. The two industrial units, totalling 2,700m2 (29,000sq. ft), received planning permission in March 2024 and have been constructed by Heron Bros. Designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status in addition to exemplary ESG credentials, they are designed for High Value Manufacturing (HVM) use. Investment Minister in the Scottish Government, Tom Arthur, said: “Our significant investment in this project has helped to remove toxic chemicals from the former Shawfield Chemical Works site and transform it into a thriving hub for businesses. “The completion of these works is welcome news for Glasgow and Rutherglen, creating up to 90 permanent jobs and ultimately reducing pollution in the River Clyde. “To benefit people throughout Scotland, we are providing £62.15 million for regeneration projects in 2025/26. This will revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites across the country.” Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said: “Remediating this land not only removes an eyesore from the local community, it will also bring jobs and economic activity well into the future. Clyde Gateway has remediated the equivalent of over 400 football pitches since our inception and this work has transformed the areas of Rutherglen, Dalmarnock and Bridgeton, with new housing, green spaces and businesses now filling what was dead space. “With the help of funding from our partners, including the Scottish and UK Governments, we have been able to create these new spaces on time and on budget. This development forms part of our £500m vision for Clyde Gateway that will establish the area as a hub for innovation, green jobs and advanced manufacturing, bringing new homes, hotels and employment opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Full occupancy at Prologis Park Midpoint as Top Cloud takes DC6

Full occupancy at Prologis Park Midpoint as Top Cloud takes DC6

Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, welcomes new customer Top Cloud Logistics Ltd (TopCloud) to Prologis Park Midpoint in Birmingham. The Chinese e-tailer has signed a 15-year lease on DC6, a new 164,103 sq. ft. logistics facility in the North East of the city, joining JLR, DHL and DP World who currently operate from the location. TopCloud, an emerging force in global e-commerce, specialises in consumer products, ranging from fashion accessories to fitness equipment and baby care. The company’s UK expansion is driven by increasing demand and a focus on strengthening local fulfilment capabilities. DC6 provides TopCloud with a prime Midlands location, offering fast access to the M6 and national motorway network. The facility was designed with sustainability in mind, achieving an EPC A+ rating and BREEAM “Excellent” certification. Prologis has also taken steps to reduce the complexities and cost of fit-out, installing LED lighting and Fire Alarm helping TopCloud to get its operations up and running faster. This latest partnership reflects a growing trend of Asian e-commerce businesses snapping up UK logistics space to serve maturing online markets. Recent insights from Prologis Research found that Chinese retailers are responding to increased consumer expectations and delivery demands by establishing direct-to-consumer distribution hubs across Europe. In a further sign of market confidence, Prologis UK can also confirm a recent letting at nearby Prologis Park Bromford Gate. A leading high-tech vertical farming company has taken DC1 (62,537 sq ft) on a 10-year term. The leasing reinforces the location’s appeal to a wide range of occupiers including advanced manufacturing, logistics and retail occupiers. James Hemstock, Director in the Capital Deployment team at Prologis UK, said: “The latest leasing to TopCloud at DC6 brings the Park to full occupancy and it’s a pleasure to welcome them to the Prologis family. Their choice to move to Midpoint underscores the strength of our portfolio and the Midlands’ status as a strategic gateway for growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Oxford Properties & M7 secure approval for 324,000 sq ft East London urban logistics development

Oxford Properties & M7 secure approval for 324,000 sq ft East London urban logistics development

Oxford Properties (“Oxford”), alongside asset manager M7 Real Estate (“M7”) have secured approval for its planned redevelopment of Beckton Gateway Retail Park in East London into a Grade A industrial and logistics hub from the London Borough of Newham. This follows an extensive pre-application process with London Borough of Newham Planning and Design Officers and extensive public and stakeholder consultation. Beckton Gateway will be transformed into 324,000 sq ft of Grade A, flexible warehousing space and ancillary offices across three new buildings designed to meet modern occupier requirements and provide a range of employment uses. The three high performing drive-thru retail units, currently operated by McDonalds, KFC and Starbucks, will be retained. Sustainability is central to the redevelopment, with rooftop renewable energy PV panels resulting in a BREEAM Excellent and EPC A level of performance. Rainwater will be collected and reused with water efficient design that will help reduce unnecessary consumption. Electric vehicle charging spaces will be introduced as part of the overall parking strategy and secure cycle parking and servicing will also be provided. Oxford and M7 plan to increase biodiversity through an integrated ecological and green infrastructure strategy that will see 92 new native trees planted and deliver a biodiversity net gain of over 10%. This will enhance occupier wellbeing and will be designed to provide safe and accessible pedestrian and cycle routes through the site. Beckton Gateway’s proximity to the A13 provides excellent vehicle access in and out of London and to Essex. Upon completion, the project is expected to contribute £23.5 million to the local economy annually, stimulating growth and prosperity. Over 300 full time equivalent jobs will be created, including opportunities during construction, leading to an estimated 160% increase in total local employment across a variety of growing sectors. During the construction process, there will also be opportunities for apprentices, trainees and graduates from the local area to gain meaningful employment and experience within the industry. Construction is expected to begin in 2030, allowing for the transition to be managed appropriately. Existing retailers will have nearly five years to plan their futures and M7 is actively engaging with tenants and nearby landlords to identify suitable alternative sites within the area. Paul Holdsworth, Director European Industrial & Logistics at Oxford commented: “This planning consent is an exciting milestone on our business plan for Beckton Retail Park, which was identified as a development opportunity to deliver a best-in-class urban logistics asset, in a key London submarket. It’s testament to M7’s asset management capabilities that they have been able to unlock this consent and underpin the value of this site to Oxford. We look forward to the next stage as we move forward to delivery of the scheme.” Titus Chapple, Asset Manager at M7, added: “Warehouse occupiers are increasingly demanding well located, best-in-class space that meets the highest standards of sustainability. At Beckton Gateway we are creating a Grade A industrial and logistics hub that will lead the way for this type of real estate in the nearby area. “We have worked closely with the London Borough of Newham and other local stakeholders to ensure this scheme delivers maximum economic benefit for the local community, including a significant increase in employment opportunities. We would like to thank them for their support for this project and look forward to continuing to work with them as we progress the redevelopment in the years ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SEGRO attracts surge of new customers to Slough Trading Estate

SEGRO attracts surge of new customers to Slough Trading Estate

SEGRO has secured over 60,000 sq ft of new lettings at Slough Trading Estate, welcoming a diverse group of dynamic businesses across logistics, engineering manufacturing and construction From immersive entertainment and aerospace engineering to advanced manufacturing and specialist contracting, the latest deals underscore the continued strength of occupier demand and the appeal of Europe’s largest privately-owned business park under single ownership. In a strong start to the year, SEGRO has secured a dozen new lettings in just four months – that’s an average of around one deal every 10 days – with leases agreed across a variety of sectors. This strong pipeline of activity highlights the adaptability and broad appeal of Slough Trading Estate as a destination for modern businesses. These include: Anna Bond, Head of Western Corridor at SEGRO, said: “This diverse range of new customers highlights Slough Trading Estate’s ongoing evolution as a vibrant and dynamic business destination. The variety of companies choosing to establish or expand their operations here reflects the strength and adaptability of the Trading Estate’s offer, the quality of the spaces available and the amenities on your doorstep.” Last month, SEGRO completed the development of nine new speculatively-built industrial units at Slough Trading Estate, delivering highly sustainable workspace ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 sq ft for growing businesses, alongside larger units of 32,000 and 45,000 sq ft for more established occupiers. Slough’s strategic location, excellent transport links and well-established infrastructure continue to make it one of the UK’s most desirable industrial locations. With over a third of warehouse space built in the last ten years, SEGRO is continually investing in the Trading Estate to ensure it meets the evolving needs of modern businesses. See www.SEGRO.com for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Luton development honours community’s rich history

New Luton development honours community’s rich history

Enabling works at Prologis Park Luton are well underway, marking the start of an exciting transformation for the former Vauxhall site on Osborne Road. With demolition and groundworks progressing on schedule, the site is set to be fully prepared for redevelopment to commence on site by Q3 2025.   This major regeneration project will breathe new life into the area, delivering high-quality logistics space, job opportunities and a site that is accessible to and celebrates the history of the local community. The units can be delivered for occupation by September 2026.  Prologis UK has been working closely with local heritage groups and Vauxhall enthusiasts to ensure the site’s rich automotive history is commemorated. Careful removal and preservation of ‘The Wheel’, originally built into the structure of Griffin House’s design studios, will allow for history to be honoured in the site’s next chapter.  Former employees and car enthusiasts were given a final opportunity to bid farewell to Griffin House, a key part of Vauxhall’s legacy, before its demolition and visited the site recently to mark the moment with a parade of a number of landmark models, which were designed and developed at the location on display, including the Silver Bullet, Black Magic and Silver Aero.  Vauxhall enthusiast, Adam King said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Prologis for opening the doors to Griffin House and giving us the opportunity to visit this important piece of Vauxhall’s history one last time.   It means a great deal to our members and the wider community to mark the legacy of the site before its next chapter begins.   “Our sincere thanks also go to the Winvic construction team for their support and care in making the visit possible.”  The preservation of The Wheel is just the beginning of an ambitious placemaking strategy designed to connect Prologis Park Luton with the wider town. Additionally, a new pedestrian and cycle-friendly route will be created, providing direct access from Osborne Road to Luton’s town centre, further integrating the site into the local community and enhancing connectivity.  Looking forward, Prologis Park Luton is set to become a centre for training and employment in the logistics sector. With planning permission recently granted for The Hub, a new flexible training facility dedicated to skills development that will support the growth of the industry and provide valuable training opportunities for local residents.  Prologis Park Luton is projected to create 615 jobs, with The Hub facilitating apprenticeships, upskilling programmes and career development pathways for people looking to enter or progress within the logistics sector.  Simon Perks, Capital Deployment Director at Prologis UK, said: “Prologis Park Luton offers an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to establish themselves in a prime logistics location. With cutting-edge facilities, excellent transport links and a strong focus on sustainability and skills development, this site is set to become a key hub for the logistics sector. We invite interested businesses to reach out and discover how they can be part of this transformative development.”  For further information, visit https://www.prologis.co.uk/properties/our-parks/prologis-park-luton   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McPhillips completes state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Bruderer UK

McPhillips completes state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Bruderer UK

Award-winning construction specialist McPhillips has successfully delivered a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for press manufacturer Bruderer UK. The 10,000 square metre bespoke factory and showroom at Hortonwood in Telford was completed on schedule and serves as the company’s new world class ‘competence centre’, replacing its former base in Luton. The facility enables the manufacturing leader to offer live demonstrations of new presses, certified pre-owned machines and fully integrated turnkey solutions. McPhillips, which is also based in Telford, led the construction project as the main contractor, working in collaboration with local partners including Cyril Orchard Group for project management and Design & Planning Associates from Oswestry for architectural design. The new facility has been designed to showcase Bruderer’s advanced high-speed presses while supporting its workforce expansion to 14 employees. For the first time in 57 years of operating in the UK, the company has a purpose-built location to give customers a first-hand insight into its latest technology, as it looks to drive innovation in the production of pressed parts and components for the critical automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics, EV, food, medical and renewables sectors. Paul Inions, managing director of McPhillips said: “We’re pleased to have built this fantastic facility for Bruderer right here in Telford. “As a local firm ourselves, it’s great to see such significant investment in our area. Working alongside other Shropshire businesses on this project shows just what our region can deliver – world-class facilities that support manufacturing jobs and growth.” Adrian Haller, managing director of Bruderer UK, commented: “This isn’t just an investment in our business, it’s an investment in UK manufacturing. We want to show companies that we are here for the long haul, and we are serious about supporting our wide array of domestic clients for another five decades. “Being able to build a factory from scratch is a fantastic opportunity. We’ve brought together the best engineering minds and the latest technology to create what we believe is a true centre of excellence for presses and associated products.” This project continues McPhillips’ track record of delivering high-quality facilities across the Shropshire region. In the last five years, the company has delivered more than 140 projects as principal contractor with a value of £300million. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans for dynamic Midlands commercial hub to be displayed at UKREiiF

Plans for dynamic Midlands commercial hub to be displayed at UKREiiF

Plans to create a dynamic new commercial hub in Warwickshire – as part of a wider regeneration scheme – will be showcased at a major property forum. Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), Warwickshire County Council’s arms-length property development company, will show off its vision for Fusiliers Way, located between Leamington Spa and Warwick, at UKREiiF in Leeds later this month. The Fusiliers Way proposal will be central to WPDG’s promotional activity at UKREiiF, where it will join forces with Warwickshire County Council as one of the authority’s official partners. The scheme would see the development of 16 units across 43,000 sq ft of commercial space to support SMEs and local businesses.Fifteen of the business units would range from 1,000 sq ft to 3,500 sq ft. The application, which has been submitted to Warwick District Council, also features the footprint for a larger 15,000 sq ft building. Fusiliers Way aims to deliver high quality, sustainable and energy efficient units, built to BREEAM Very Good and EPC A standards. Stuart Buckley, Managing Director at WPDG, said: “We’re looking forward to joining our partners at UKREiiF to highlight our recent successes and to showcase what we have coming up. “After the success of our Sucham Park scheme in Southam we are pressing forward with a pipeline of sites that can provide high-quality space to support SMEs to grow and thrive in Warwickshire. “We are expecting to start work this summer on our scheme at Fusiliers Way, which is part of a wider masterplan to create a mixed-use community in the area. “Alongside our successful joint ventures, we are ramping up WPDG-led activity at two residential sites in the region– with two further direct delivery sites set to come through over the coming months. “This means we are in a great position to meet with potential residential development partners and occupiers for our upcoming commercial schemes – and we hope to do this at UKREiiF.” If approved, phase one of Fusiliers Way will provide purpose-built space for expanding businesses and start-ups in the area and help to create in the region of 85 jobs. The second phase would seek to deliver a local centre to support the area’s growing neighbourhood and business community, including a convenience store, children’s day nursery and coffee shop. WPDG is one of eight organisations across the public and private sectors that Invest Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council’s inward investment team, will partner at UKREiiF, taking place from May 20 to 22. The partnerships will see each organisation involved in panel discussions Invest Warwickshire is hosting at UKREiiF, the UK’s largest real estate event and conference. Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre. “UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Council’s Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs. “We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including Tritax Big Box, IM Properties and Stoford to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year.” WPDG was formed in 2021 and is delivering projects to realise the value and economic impact of Warwickshire County Council assets for the benefit of residents in Warwickshire. Its first commercial development, a 42,200 sq ft industrial scheme in Southam, completed last year and is now 100 per cent let. The Group is also delivering around 2,000 homes through its Develop Warwickshire joint venture with Vistry Group and WCC, and its own direct delivery. WPDG will be in the West Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF. To arrange a meeting with WPDG, before, during or after UKREiiF, call the main office on 0192 695 6492, email info@wpdg.co.uk or contact Warwickshire Property Development Group’s LinkedIn page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Developer submits plans for Project Halo

Developer submits plans for Project Halo

Developer Network Space has submitted a full planning application for Project Halo—a high-tech employment development at the St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus. Located on a five-acre site off the A570 James Roby Way, the scheme proposes four state-of-the-art ‘Tech Box’ units designed to support life science and advanced manufacturing businesses. The development forms a key part of the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone, which aims to drive innovation and create high-value jobs across the region. The application follows the site’s acquisition by St Helens Borough Council, supported by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and Network Space’s appointment as development manager in 2023. The company previously collaborated with the Council to deliver the £54 million Glass Futures facility, a global centre of excellence for sustainable glass innovation located next door. Extensive enabling works, carried out by NSD, have already been completed, including ground remediation, re-profiling, and the construction of a new estate road and roundabout at Langtree Way. These improvements have primed the location for immediate development, enhancing links to surrounding innovation assets. The submitted plans seek approval for four hybrid industrial and office buildings ranging from 7,629 to 31,484 sq. ft, totalling 85,000 sq. ft of flexible employment space. The high-spec units will cater to occupiers across use classes B2 (advanced manufacturing), B8 (storage/distribution), and E(g) (including R&D labs and professional services). Each unit has been designed for adaptability, allowing tailored configurations for tenants’ specific office and laboratory needs. Sustainability is at the core of the Project Halo design, with features such as air source heat pumps, rooftop photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging points, and cycle facilities. The scheme will aim for BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation, underlining its commitment to environmental performance and sustainable development. Project Halo is intended to attract synergistic life sciences and advanced manufacturing occupiers, reinforcing St Helens’ status as a growing centre for innovation. It supports the Liverpool City Region’s Life Sciences Innovation Zone Prospectus, which targets the creation of 8,000 jobs and £800 million in investment over the next decade. The St Helens Campus—already home to Glass Futures, SINA Medical Glass, and Inovus Medical, is emerging as a focal point for materials science and health technologies, complementing wider regional strengths in infectious disease research and AI-driven healthcare. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Network Space submits planning application for 'Project Halo' Life Sciences Hub at St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus

Network Space submits planning application for ‘Project Halo’ Life Sciences Hub at St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus

Network Space Developments (NSD) has submitted a full planning application for a cutting-edge employment development at the St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus. The Project Halo proposal relates to a five-acre council-owned site located off the A570 James Roby Way and seeks to deliver four state-of-the-art “Tech Box” units – hybrid industrial and office buildings designed to meet the needs of life science advanced manufacturing occupiers. The scheme forms a key part of the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone, which aims to stimulate innovation and create high-value jobs across the region. NSD was appointed by St Helens Borough Council as development manager for the site in 2023, following the Council’s acquisition of the land with support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The company previously partnered with the Council to deliver the landmark £54 million Glass Futures adjacent to the site, a global centre of excellence for sustainable glass research and innovation. The site has already undergone extensive enabling works, including ground remediation, re-profiling, and the construction of a new estate road and roundabout arm at Langtree Way. These works, led by NSD, enhance connectivity with neighbouring developments and position the site as a “development-ready” location. The application seeks approval for four high specification Tech Box units ranging from 7,629 sq. ft to 31,484 sq. ft. Totalling 85,000 sq. ft they will offer high quality flexible employment space across use classes B2 (advanced manufacturing), B8 (storage/distribution), and E(g) (R&D laboratories, professional services, and ancillary offices). All will have adaptable layouts to accommodate bespoke tenant office and laboratory requirements. This sustainable scheme will include all electric air source heat pumps and photovoltaic roof panels to minimise operational energy, electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking and landscaping aligned with the decarbonisation goals of the St Helens Campus. Already home to flagship projects such as Glass Futures, SINA Medical Glass and Inovus Medical, the Campus has also aided the collaboration and expansion of existing tenants. The scheme has been designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and will target BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation, reflecting the highest standards of environmental performance and design. The Project Halo development will target synergistic life science advanced manufacturing occupiers, bolstering St Helens’ position as a hub for innovation and manufacturing. The project aligns with the Liverpool City Region’s Life Sciences Innovation Zone Prospectus, which aims to create 8,000 jobs and unlock £800 million in public-private investment over 10 years. As part of this initiative, the St Helens Campus will focus on materials science and health technologies, complementing the region’s strengths in infectious disease research and AI-driven healthcare. Situated in a City Region Innovation Zone, any future occupiers will enjoy multiple benefits that include: full Stamp Duty Land Tax relief for land and buildings bought for commercial use or development for commercial purposes; 100% relief from business rates for 5 years on newly occupied business premises; Enhanced Capital Allowances of 100% first year allowance for companies’ qualifying expenditure on plant and machinery assets; and enhanced Structures and Buildings Allowance with accelerated relief allows businesses to reduce their taxable profits by 10% of the cost of qualifying non-residential investment per year, relieving 100% of their cost of structures and buildings over 10 years. Employer National Insurance Contributions Relief is also zero-rated for Employer NICs on salaries of any new employee based in the Zone for at least 60% of their time – on earnings up to £25,000 per year. This relief can be applied for up to 36 months per employee. NSD Development Director Joe Burnett said: “This application represents a pivotal step in realising the vision for a high-quality employment space that addresses a productivity gap within the manufacturing science sector. By attracting life sciences businesses, there is the potential to create hundreds of skilled jobs while reinforcing St Helen’s key role in the region’s Investment Zone.” Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s Leader said: “This is another major step forward for the growth and regeneration ambitions of St Helens. It isn’t just about shiny new buildings but more about raising aspirations and creating new opportunities for our residents. In this project we will support hi-tech businesses to start up or expand operations here in our great borough. This development proposal will build on the renewed focus of our borough as a world leader in manufacturing innovation, building on our rich history for a brighter future for our residents and communities.” Subject to approval, construction is anticipated to start in early 2026. Support for the Halo Project has been provided by Architects AEW, GWB Consultants, Stantec, Kaizen Consulting Engineers and Spawforths. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni acquires 35-acre Essex site to deliver major logistics hub

Panattoni acquires 35-acre Essex site to deliver major logistics hub

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has confirmed the acquisition of a prominent development site at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex. The project, known as Panattoni Park Braintree, is set to deliver 575,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art industrial and logistics space, bolstering both local and regional supply chain infrastructure. Strategically positioned just over 15 minutes from London Stansted Airport and under an hour from the M25, Port of Felixstowe, and London Gateway, the site offers exceptional access to London, the Southeast, and international markets – making it an ideal location for logistics and distribution operators. This acquisition marks as a strategic launchpad into the East of England, paving the way for further development opportunities in the region. Construction is already underway on Phase 1, which comprises a single speculative unit of 171,915 sq ft, scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. In parallel, a Reserved Matters planning application has been submitted for Phase 2, which will deliver an additional 405,000 sq ft across three units, ranging from 65,000 sq ft to 240,000 sq ft, with completion anticipated in Q4 2026. All buildings at Panattoni Park Braintree will be delivered to leading sustainability standards, achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings and EPC ‘A’ certification. The scheme is also targeting Net Zero Carbon in construction, with sustainability-focused features such as rooftop photovoltaic panels, EV charging infrastructure, and low-energy LED lighting. Future-proofed power supplies will support occupiers’ evolving needs, while biodiverse landscaping and exercise walkways will promote employee wellbeing. James Watson, Head of Development, Southern England & London at Panattoni, commented: “Panattoni Park Braintree represents a key milestone in our commitment to deliver next-generation logistics hubs in the UK’s most supply-constrained and strategically important locations. This development will offer exceptional connectivity, market-leading sustainability credentials, and flexibility for occupiers seeking to future-proof their operations. We are delighted to bring this scheme forward and contribute to Braintree’s growing position as a logistics and employment hub.” Panattoni Park Braintree benefits from proximity to local amenities and transport links, including direct access to the A131 and the Horizon 120 Gridserve Electric Forecourt, which offers cutting-edge EV charging and retail facilities, enhancing convenience for businesses and employees alike. Furthermore, with Braintree’s working-age population forecast to grow at more than double the national average and over 14,000 new homes planned for the area, the development will support local employment and skills advancement, further cementing its role within the community. CBRE and Coke Gearing are appointed as the leasing agents. For more information on this scheme, please visit: www.panattoni.co.uk/braintree Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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