The final phase of construction has started at SEGRO Park Kettering which will see the creation of almost 875,000 sq ft of space across three buildings. A 102,500 sq ft speculatively built facility will become the last available unit on the development and will be available to occupy from September
Leased 1.28 million SQM in 2021 – a 64% increase compared to 2020 Accelerated acquisitions and completed developments over the last two years GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced record progress on investment, leasing and development activity in 2021, significantly expanding its presence
Chancerygate has been granted planning permission to build 110,000 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics and industrial space in Chadderton, near Oldham. Called Broadway Central, the speculative development will comprise eight units across two terraces ranging from 7,600 sq ft to 18,200 sq ft and one stand-alone unit of
Westbrook Partners has agreed to forward-purchase two BREAAM ‘Very Good’ urban logistics portfolios for £172.5m from Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”). The first portfolio, which was wholly owned by Chancerygate, is called Urban Portal and comprises three multi-unit logistics developments located in Aston Clinton, Brackley and Leicester. The schemes
Local and government leaders, including North Northamptonshire MP, Philip Hollobone, today [4th March] formally launched construction works at Ball Corporation’s new can-making factory at the SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway. With accelerating demand for infinitely recyclable aluminium drinks cans growing fast in the UK and around the world, Ball is investing
Trebor Developments and Seddon Developments have sold their Prime Point 14 speculative, industrial, development to Aver Property Limited Partnership. The site lies one minute from Junction 14 on the M6 Motorway. The two units of 66,628 sq ft and 76,742 sq ft will be constructed during 2022 by Seddon Construction
Developer to bring forward additional 500,000 sq ft sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation Leading commercial property developer, Stoford has announced a new site wide agreement with the Church Commissioners for England that will unlock future phases of development at a job creating industrial scheme in East Devon. The agreement paves
Steder Group charts steady course to Renfrew Canmoor is set to welcome the Steder Group, as the latest new occupier at Westway Park in Renfrew. The global logistics service provider has signed up for 60,000 sq ft of logistics space at the newly refurbished Block D on a ten-year lease.
The New 154,000 sq ft industrial/logistics unit is to be built at The Cofton Centre, a 35-acre, self-contained secure, managed estate which forms an integral part of the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by expert logistics/industrial
Hollaway Studio has designed a pioneering new global headquarters and factory in Ashford, Kent for Brompton, the UK’s largest bicycle manufacturer. Aiming to open in 2027, the state of the art building will be situated within 100 acres of unused wetlands, 60 acres of which will be transformed by Ashford
The final phase of construction has started at SEGRO Park Kettering which will see the creation of almost 875,000 sq ft of space across three buildings. A 102,500 sq ft speculatively built facility will become the last available unit on the development and will be available to occupy from September 2022. It will combine warehousing, offices and a secure yard, as well as incorporating a range of sustainability features including rainwater harvesting, solar thermal heating, intelligent low energy lighting and EV charging points. A separate 150,000 sq ft warehouse will be constructed which has been pre-let to Bunzl, the FTSE-100 specialist international distribution and services group. It will be Bunzl’s second facility at SEGRO Park Kettering and will complement its existing 230,000 sq ft unit. SEGRO will deliver these units in parallel with a 622,000 sq ft freehold facility for leading beverage packaging manufacturer Ball Corporation, which will become its third aluminium can manufacturing facility in the UK and the largest ever constructed in Europe. Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO, said: “SEGRO Park Kettering provides high quality industrial and warehouse facilities to meet a mix of customer requirements, supported by the right infrastructure and with excellent connectivity. “Occupier demand in the East Midlands remains very strong and we look to delivering these three buildings at pace in the coming months, bringing further employment opportunities into the region.” Helen Cockerham, Retail and Healthcare Managing Director at Bunzl, said: “We are pleased to be working with SEGRO again on this development and look forward to seeing our additional warehouse capacity becoming operational later this year.” SEGRO is working closely with lead contractor Winvic to engage local schools and businesses with training and employment opportunities, which will have a particular focus on encouraging women into careers in construction. This aligns with the company’s commitment to invest in its local communities and environments as part of its Responsible SEGRO framework. Planning consent was secured at SEGRO Park Kettering to deliver a total of 1.2 million sq ft of industrial and warehouse space. The site, located at Junction 10 of the A14, is adjacent to Latimer Business Park, home to a range of market leading brands including Morrisons, DS Smith and Alpro, and Hanwood Park – the 5,500-house urban extension to the east of Kettering. Its proximity to major transport arteries means customers will be able to reach over 90% of the UK population within four hours.
Leased 1.28 million SQM in 2021 – a 64% increase compared to 2020 Accelerated acquisitions and completed developments over the last two years GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced record progress on investment, leasing and development activity in 2021, significantly expanding its presence across Europe. GLP saw high levels of activity and growth across its European business over the past twelve months. Total Assets under Management (AUM) as at 31 December 2021 was €14.3bn ($16.2bn) with an operating portfolio of 6.4 million SQM, comprising 216 properties and a further 21 under development. This compares to 31 December 2020, when GLP’s Total AUM was €10.3bn ($12.7bn) with a portfolio of 4.9 million SQM across 171 properties. In response to the continued growing demand for logistics space, GLP has accelerated its development programme, starting 27 new projects comprising 688,000 SQM of new space across Europe – a new record for GLP. This takes GLP’s total completed assets to 5.6 million SQM at the end of 2021, compared to 2.4 million SQM at the end of 2019. GLP’s leasing activity has been equally strong, with a total of 240 customers across its portfolio at the end of 2021, compared to 82 in 2019. In 2021, GLP agreed new or expanded leases on 1.1 million SQM of logistics space, up from 683,000 SQM in 2020 and 462,000 SQM in 2019. In addition, GLP renewed leases on 198,000 SQM of space – nearly double its 2020 figures. Today, GLP’s retention rates stand at 74% across Europe with a lease ratio of 97%*. GLP has had continued success supporting customers from outside the EU to enter European markets. In 2021, GLP agreed 14 leases to non-European customers compared to 8 in 2020. Nick Cook, President, GLP Europe, commented: “The growth of GLP has been fantastic to be a part of. We sit within one of the most important sectors in the global economy and one which has come to the fore over the past two years. Our development and leasing activity reflects the strength of the logistics market, despite broader macro-economic challenges. We are particularly pleased to see the continued confidence that our customers place in us reflected in our high occupancy and retention rates. We are grateful to our extraordinary team for delivering these results in such difficult conditions.”
Chancerygate has been granted planning permission to build 110,000 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics and industrial space in Chadderton, near Oldham. Called Broadway Central, the speculative development will comprise eight units across two terraces ranging from 7,600 sq ft to 18,200 sq ft and one stand-alone unit of 27,000 sq ft. Units are available freehold or leasehold and the scheme will have a gross development value of around £20m. Chancerygate acquired the 6.58-acre site last July for £3.8m from FO Developments which is a consortium comprising Oldham Council, Grasscroft Property and Seddon Developments. Construction is scheduled to commence in May with practical completion expected early next year. The consortium delivered the wider Broadway Green development which is a 121-acre mixed-use scheme on former agricultural land. Once complete, it will provide up to 700,000 sq ft of employment space. In addition, 500 new homes and 25 acres of public open space in a linear park. Chancerygate development manager, Andy Farrer, said: “We’re very pleased to have obtained planning to deliver Broadway Central just nine months after our acquisition. This is a testament to the hard work of our team and the positive and pragmatic attitude of Oldham Council. “Broadway Central is in an excellent location where there is very little supply of new, high-specification industrial units. Therefore, this development is best placed to help satisfy the strong demand for Grade A urban logistics and industrial space that there is for businesses operating both locally and throughout the North West region.” Agents for Broadway Green are Davies Harrison and Avison Young. You can learn more about Chancerygate’s live developments here. < Back to News
Westbrook Partners has agreed to forward-purchase two BREAAM ‘Very Good’ urban logistics portfolios for £172.5m from Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”). The first portfolio, which was wholly owned by Chancerygate, is called Urban Portal and comprises three multi-unit logistics developments located in Aston Clinton, Brackley and Leicester. The schemes will total 347,177 sq ft across 45 units and all three are set to practically complete in the next 12 months. The second portfolio, called City Gateway, comprises three multi-unit developments in Edinburgh, Leeds and Peterborough. The three schemes were jointly owned by Chancerygate and Bridges, who have a long track record of successful collaboration on sustainable industrial developments. The City Gateway portfolio will total 485,389 sq ft across 61 units, providing 43 industrial/warehouse units, 16 trade counter units and two drive throughs. The three schemes are set for practical completion in the next 24 months. In total, the portfolios comprise 832,000 sq ft over 42 acres, with each of the six schemes being acquired on a forward-commitment basis. All the newly built units will have market leading green credentials and will be constructed to the highest specification. Commenting on the deal, Mark Donnor, managing principal of Westbrook Partners, said: “We are delighted to have concluded the deal with Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management, in such a timely manner. “The 832,000 sq ft of Grade A stock is already receiving strong occupational interest for a variety of units. JLL is instructed to pre-lease the portfolio.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest multi-unit industrial developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company has offices in London, Warrington, Birmingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes. It currently has more than 3.5m sq ft of industrial space under construction or ready for development across 32 sites ranging from Bournemouth to Edinburgh. Chancerygate managing director, Richard Bains, said: “Our strategy of focusing on acquiring urban logistics sites and delivering Grade A schemes benefiting from strong environmental credentials has been borne out by the very strong interest we received for these portfolios. “We are very pleased to have concluded the deal with Westbrook Partners in a very swift timescale. The funds from the disposal will be used by us to invest in further strategic speculative development opportunities as Chancerygate continues to expand throughout the UK.” Bridges Fund Management is a specialist sustainable and impact investor. It has been working in partnership with Chancerygate on projects for more than 10 years. Investments include acquisitions last year of sites for industrial development in Coventry, Leeds, Tolworth and Edinburgh. Guy Bowden, partner at Bridges Fund management, added: “We’re delighted to complete this forward-purchase, which we think is testament to the strong demand – from both investors and occupiers – for high-quality highly sustainable logistics developments. Bridges’ sustainable logistics portfolio continues to deliver both attractive financial returns for our investors and superior environmental outcomes.” Tudor Real Estate represented Westbrook. JLL advised Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management.
Local and government leaders, including North Northamptonshire MP, Philip Hollobone, today [4th March] formally launched construction works at Ball Corporation’s new can-making factory at the SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway. With accelerating demand for infinitely recyclable aluminium drinks cans growing fast in the UK and around the world, Ball is investing in the new cutting-edge facility to meet the needs of its customers. This new facility will be the largest ever beverage packaging plant in the UK. Set for completion in January 2023, the site will occupy 56,000 sqm, with space to expand production later. In its first year, the plant will be producing over one billion fully recyclable cans and generate 200 local jobs. The multinational can-maker is working with key public services including Job Centre Plus to together level-up employment in the area. A pre-employment programme will develop talent from all local communities for exciting roles at the new plant during 2022 and beyond. A celebration to mark the construction of the plant was attended today by the local MP, local councillors, and community groups. The growth in demand for aluminium cans comes as consumers seek alternatives to single-use plastic, with a recent poll showing almost 80 per cent of people are taking steps to reduce single-use plastic and two-thirds want to do more.[1] Aluminium cans are currently the world’s most widely recycled beverage packaging, with a UK recycling rate of 82 per cent and a European average of 76 per cent. Ball, which has had its climate change plan approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative, is constructing the Kettering plant according to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Sustainability and Environmental Standards. Other features include a rainwater harvesting system and innovative technology to mitigate machinery exhaust emissions. These innovative technologies will make the Kettering plant the most advanced facility of its type, demanding 20 per cent less energy and 70 per cent less water than traditional can-making processes. The manufacturing industry has long been a major source of employment for Kettering and the surrounding area, with the Ball facility joining a contemporary local industrial community which includes Mercedes-AMG, Siemens and Weetabix. Carey Causey, President, Ball Beverage Packaging Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEA) said : “As environmental awareness increases, consumers are insisting on more sustainable drinks packaging. This new facility, in one of the UK’s best-known manufacturing locations, will help us to support our customers’ growth, creating fully recyclable cans which can play a role in a truly circular economy and support the local community.” Local MP Philip Hollobone said: “I’m delighted to see this project go ahead. With its rich heritage, the production skills in Kettering are outstanding and it’s great to see a leading international company like Ball join the ranks of our existing manufacturers. Councillor David Brackenbury, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “One of our key priorities is helping to create the conditions to boost the economy in North Northamptonshire and I’m delighted to welcome Ball Corporation to our area as it brings a significant amount of foreign direct investment as well as a facility that is focussed on being as sustainable as possible. This development also brings with it significant employment opportunities to the local area in the sustainable manufacturing sector, which is a welcome addition to the North Northants economy. I look forward to seeing the production lines rolling!” The Kettering facility will be Ball’s third can-making site in the UK, joining established plants in Milton Keynes and Wakefield and taking the new total in the EMEA region to 26. [1] https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/environment/single-use/poll-finds-support-refillables-frustration-supermarkets-not-addressing-plastic-pollution-16-06-2021
Trebor Developments and Seddon Developments have sold their Prime Point 14 speculative, industrial, development to Aver Property Limited Partnership. The site lies one minute from Junction 14 on the M6 Motorway. The two units of 66,628 sq ft and 76,742 sq ft will be constructed during 2022 by Seddon Construction Limited and provide high quality, sustainable BREEAM “Very Good” and EPC “A” rated, industrial units for rent in the Staffordshire area. Bob Tattrie, Managing Partner, at Trebor commented: “Prime Point 14, Stafford, is a prime location being only one mile from Junction 14 of the M6. The two mid-size units are on a very established industrial park and will meet market demands, the area suffers from little choice of quality industrial units in this area. We look forward to delivering these”. Ergo Real Estate, on behalf of Aver Property (its JV with NFU Mutual), continues its impressive track record in the logistics sector. “Our flexible and opportunistic approach enables us to be responsive to prospects and capitalise on the growth in this area, securing our position as market leaders”. Martin Jepson, Founding Partner at Ergo Real Estate commented. Ergo Real Estate were represented by Savills, Birmingham office. Trebor Developments and Seddon Developments dealt with inhouse.
Developer to bring forward additional 500,000 sq ft sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation Leading commercial property developer, Stoford has announced a new site wide agreement with the Church Commissioners for England that will unlock future phases of development at a job creating industrial scheme in East Devon. The agreement paves the way for the development of an additional c.500,000 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park, Clyst Honiton. Stoford will develop the scheme on a design and build basis, with new units made available on freehold or leasehold terms. Exeter Logistics Park is part of the second phase of a significant industrial scheme which was opened in 2017, following the grant of outline planning, secured by the Church Commissioners. Part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point economic development zone east of the M5, near Exeter Airport, the scheme will total more than 650,000 sq ft upon completion and includes improvements to the local transport infrastructure. A new access road and signalised traffic junction have been created off the B3174 London Road, making the site immediately available for further development. Stoford has already completed construction of a new 90,000 sq ft distribution unit and a 415-space electric vehicle charging park at Exeter Logistics Park, on behalf of an international retailer. Works are also underway on the construction of a further two new buildings, including DHL’s 54,732 sq ft parcel distribution service centre and a 28,464 sq ft warehouse that is being developed speculatively. The new developments are characterised by strong environmental credentials, including green roof spaces, a sustainable urban drainage system, provision of solar panels and an external trim trail with outdoor gym and fitness area. They are expected to be completed this month (March 2022) and have the potential to create more than 100 new jobs. It is estimated that Exeter Logistics Park could contribute between £90 million – £105 million to the regional economy when fully complete. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford said: “Exeter Logistics Park is an extremely well connected site with enormous potential. We are on track to deliver the two new buildings in Q1 this year and the new agreement will enable us to further develop the scheme to meet continued demand. This is a sustainable scheme that has already attracted high calibre, international occupiers. It has all of the attributes to become the South West’s leading distribution hub, south of Bristol.” Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land for the Church Commissioners for England, said: “The latest agreement builds on our already strong partnership with Stoford and will see hundreds of thousands of square feet of high-quality employment space being delivered, resulting in significant job creation locally and supporting the area’s continued growth. “We are particularly proud of Exeter Logistics Park’s sustainability credentials, which are a demonstration of our ESG commitments in action and will help support a ‘green recovery’ post-covid.” All enquiries regarding Exeter Logistics Park should be directed to the scheme’s retained agents, JLL and Cushman & Wakefield.
Steder Group charts steady course to Renfrew Canmoor is set to welcome the Steder Group, as the latest new occupier at Westway Park in Renfrew. The global logistics service provider has signed up for 60,000 sq ft of logistics space at the newly refurbished Block D on a ten-year lease. The Scottish & Dutch-owned company, which is headquartered in Hillington, Glasgow and in Rotterdam in Holland, is relocating its UK Warehousing & Logistics Services side of the business to Renfrew from Hillington. The new unit will be used for storage and distribution functions, whilst the main freight forwarding, customs brokerage, sales, marketing and administration will remain at its Hillington HQ. Steder Group is set up to handle any logistics challenge and can offer a complete range of logistic services within a broad, worldwide network. In Scotland, this includes forwarding, air cargo, with services, including handling customs documentation for a global customer base. The new facility in Renfrew is part of the UK arm of the business, which along with its HQ in Hillington also has bases in Aberdeen, Queenslie & Dunfermline. Steve Logan, Managing Director of Steder Group said: “Quality space, connectivity and site security were the prime drivers for our move to Westway. We look forward to being fully operational with our warehousing & logistics staff, with potentially up to 20 staff at some stage this year. “Our goal is to be the one of the best complete logistics service providers in Scotland and this new facility will enable us to continue to deliver high quality and customised service to our customer base and partners, both in the UK and globally. “Steder Group in the UK was born in early 2016 in Glasgow, achieving considerable success in such a short timeline. This vital warehousing deal with Canmoor was essential to allow us to continue to grow our business in today’s hectic and challenging marketplace. “I’d like to thank Rob Large and all of the Canmoor team, along with the site marketing director for JLL, Andrew McCracken for all their help and assistance in helping us push through and conclude this deal within the timelines required to support our business requirements.” Toby Saul, Asset Manager of Canmoor added: “Since acquiring Westway in 2018, our strategy has been to invest in the existing stock, to attract top occupiers. We have committed more than £12 million to building refurbishment and infrastructure improvements across the park, including £3 million in the refurbishment of D Block. “Securing Steder Group within three months of practical completion, along with a pre-let to Agility Logistics underlines the success of our strategy, with D Block now fully-let to two best in class logistics operators “Over the course of 2021, we completed circa 425,000 sq ft in lettings and re-gears, making Westway one of the strongest industrial and distribution assets in Scotland. “We have now started the next stage of our refurbishment programme at Block J and Unit G1 with further infrastructure improvements and investment at Westway to be announced shortly.” Westway is a key strategic industrial and distribution location that offers excellent connectivity to the whole of Central Scotland, with Junction 27 of the M8 only 3 minutes drive away. It is located in the heart of the Glasgow Airport Investment area, which is one of the key City Deal projects that will benefit from £39.1m of inward investment over the next 10 years. This will deliver significant infrastructure investment to the area including a new two-lane bridge over the White Cart, directly linking Westway with the investment area and airport, which is scheduled to open later this year. Westway also benefits from having its own private dock facility on the White Cart Water which accesses the River Clyde. This provides an alternative shipping solution particularly for large products that are unsuitable for transport by road. Andrew McCracken, Director of JLL said: “This deal underlines the demand for well-located, top quality logistics space in the Scottish market. Westway is one of the top locations in Scotland and we anticipate further positive demand for space at the park during 2022.” Canmoor’s joint agents are JLL and Colliers, with the park being managed by Knight Frank.
The New 154,000 sq ft industrial/logistics unit is to be built at The Cofton Centre, a 35-acre, self-contained secure, managed estate which forms an integral part of the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by expert logistics/industrial developer St. Modwen Logistics to construct a new 154,000 sq ft industrial/logistics unit at a site in Longbridge, Birmingham. The development being marketed as’ Longbridge 155’ will feature a best-in-class specification to include an array of sustainable design enhancements, energy saving technologies and Net Zero Carbon in operation features. It will showcase St. Modwen’s Swan Standard specification – a set of industry-leading sustainable development guidelines with a focus on responsible building practices that allows its customers to reduce running costs and carbon in operation emissions. The development will aim to deliver a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating together with targeting an EPC A+ rating, demonstrating significant investment and innovation in sustainability above current regulation and practice. It is expected to achieve an overall carbon reduction of 53% compared with energy requirements set out in the UK Building Regulations (Part L). The office space – comprising 12,626 sq ft – will be operationally Net Zero Carbon, achieved by limiting the operational energy demands and embodied carbon emissions. This includes the use of an energy efficient hybrid air source heat pump, smart metering and further sustainable enhancements such as AAA rated white goods which reduce electrical use; low energy lifts; and recycled carpets. The warehouse space will include several environmental credentials including triple-skinned GRP roof lights which reduce glare and overheating; built-up cladding which provides excellent air tightness and is fully recyclable; 20% electric vehicle charging; and PV solar panels, all of which underpin the BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ rating. Construction of the facility started in February and the building expected to be available from Q3 2022. Talking about the project GMI Managing Director Andy Bruce Said: “This project is another big win for our Midlands team and Birmingham Office which we are rapidly expanding. We are delighted to once again be working for repeat customer St. Modwen Logistics on this prestigious scheme and part of the team working on the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. With this instruction our Midlands division has now secured in excess of £130 million of work in just over two years working on some of the region’s most high-profile projects for many well-known brands. We are committed to building back stronger and this key project win further underlines our intentions for growth and opportunity. Also commenting Richard Carter, St. Modwen Logistics Senior Director of Construction said ‘As a valued supply chain partner, we are delighted to have appointed GMI to build Longbridge 155, and look forward to the successful completion of this and future projects’ The building has been designed to feature net zero carbon in operation as part of its commitments to drive its ambition to achieve net zero carbon developments with further reductions in embodied and operational carbon by delivering BREEAM excellent buildings with EPC ratings of A and better. The development features a high-quality office specification, designed with the customer in mind, focusing on health and wellbeing, sustainability, and net carbon reduction”. Working alongside GMI are UMC Architects, engineers Rodgers Leask, KAM Project Consultants and RPPML. The development is situated at The Cofton Centre, a self-contained secure, managed estate which is an integral part of the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands. The site is able to accommodate a wide range of industrial and distribution uses. Situated only 1.5 miles from St. Modwen’s new £70 million Longbridge town centre and the highly successful Technology Park, Longbridge 155 offers occupiers an ideal opportunity to become part of an established commercial centre. For further information about the project visit: https://stmodwenlogistics.co.uk/property/longbridge-155/
Hollaway Studio has designed a pioneering new global headquarters and factory in Ashford, Kent for Brompton, the UK’s largest bicycle manufacturer. Aiming to open in 2027, the state of the art building will be situated within 100 acres of unused wetlands, 60 acres of which will be transformed by Ashford Borough Council into a rewilded public nature reserve and community cycle path with sustainability at its heart. The building is circled by a publicly accessible cycleway which weaves in and out of the building, providing both expansive views of the site and multisensory experiences of the factory processes along the route. The journey ends at the roof, where a Brompton Museum, recreational areas and a shared canteen for both workers and visitors alike can be found. A true 21st Century Bourneville, the factory will merge the public and private domains of industry through permitting the public to view not only how Brompton bikes are manufactured but to reveal and educate how industry works – a rarity in such settings and something that will position it firmly within the community. Challenging the traditional perception of manufacturing, Hollaway has designed the factory to work in harmony with and become part of its natural surroundings, sustainability will be at the heart of the carbon-neutral facility which will draw heat from the ground, utilise natural light and air flows and harness the power of the site’s wind and sun exposure to contribute to energy demands. The footprint of the building and the impact on the surrounding wetland has been kept to a minimum by housing the events spaces, museum, canteen, and terrace upon the roof. Just like a Brompton bike, the factory will be built to last, with construction methods examined, embodied carbon explored and materials responsibly sourced to ensure the site can enable future adaptation and be resilient to the changing climate. Through its design, Hollaway highlights the possibility of making industry clean and giving back to nature. Positioned 2.2m above the wetlands, the building appears to float as it coexists with the wetlands below, allowing water levels to rise and fall throughout the year. This is aided by a reinforced floorplate, supported by foundation piles which also serve to draw heat from the ground. Created to realise Brompton’s future ambition of producing over 200,000 bikes per year, by 2027, Brompton expects to employ over 1,500 staff. Hollaway’s design acknowledges Brompton’s tremendous growth over the last 5 years. The new Ashford factory is perfectly located between the leading cycling cities of London and Paris, to enable their future ambitions and to continue to transform the way that people move in cities around the world. Brompton will partner with Ashford Borough Council and Quinn Estates for the development and will invest in the local community through the creation of skilled worker roles and the visitor centre at the factory, including the museum and educational space to facilitate active outreach to local schools. Brompton has held a relationship with Ashford since 2014 as one of the first Brompton Bike Hire docks was installed at Ashford International Station, which will be expanded as part of the plans. Brompton’s current factory in Greenford, West London will continue to operate until at least 2030.
