Commercial : Industrial News
Driving Growth: ABP’s Bold Expansion Plans for the Humber

Driving Growth: ABP’s Bold Expansion Plans for the Humber

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, has unveiled plans for a major expansion at its Stallingborough Interchange site in the Humber region. This development promises to deliver cutting-edge automotive open storage facilities, bolstering ABP’s capacity to meet the needs of its customers at the Ports of Immingham

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Timpson & Caddick Break Ground On New Max Spielman Development

Timpson & Caddick Break Ground On New Max Spielman Development

Caddick has commenced building work on site at Max Spielman’s new warehouse at Bromborough’s international business park, marking the first owned and occupied premises for Timpson’s printing specialist. To mark the start of construction work, Timpson Group Chairman, Sir John Timpson, joined Caddick on site at Power Road where the

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Big Yellow Self Storage appoints Glencar to build new £18M, 135,000 sq. ft (MLA) six storey flagship store in London

Big Yellow Self Storage appoints Glencar to build new £18M, 135,000 sq. ft (MLA) six storey flagship store in London

Development situated at Staples Corner will comprise of self-storage units and flexible-use office accommodation. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres,

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SLR Consulting provides wide range of services for £1bn development

SLR Consulting provides wide range of services for £1bn development

GLOBAL leader in sustainability solutions, SLR Consulting, has provided a wide range of its extensive services to Eren Holding for the £1bn transformation of Shotton Mill Limited. SLR is providing a substantial suite of its long line of services, including planning and EIA teams, GIS, ecology, hydrology, transport, landscape, air quality,

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Fusion Utilities Officially Opens Flagship Horizon 29 Development

Fusion Utilities Officially Opens Flagship Horizon 29 Development

The fulfilment centre combines new operational capabilities with a sustainable design. A new Chesterfield fulfilment centre, owned by Fusion Utilities, that is set to improve operational efficiency, capacity, and customer service, has now officially opened. The new site reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and generating jobs for local people.

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£40 Million Green Logistics Hub Approved for Stevenage: A Major Step Forward

£40 Million Green Logistics Hub Approved for Stevenage: A Major Step Forward

Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) have announced the approval of a cutting-edge 120,000 sq ft logistics facility in Stevenage, further solidifying their position as leaders in sustainable urban logistics. This approval brings Wrenbridge’s total 2024 pipeline to an impressive 700,000 sq ft. The development, located on a 5-acre site

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Oxfordshire's Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

Oxfordshire’s Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

The Bicester Arc, a state-of-the-art 48-acre commercial business park near Oxford, is making strides toward delivering cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses. The development promises to offer bespoke facilities, flexible workspaces, and exceptional connectivity, solidifying its position as a premier destination for innovation and growth. The

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

Driving Growth: ABP’s Bold Expansion Plans for the Humber

Driving Growth: ABP’s Bold Expansion Plans for the Humber

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, has unveiled plans for a major expansion at its Stallingborough Interchange site in the Humber region. This development promises to deliver cutting-edge automotive open storage facilities, bolstering ABP’s capacity to meet the needs of its customers at the Ports of Immingham and Grimsby. A Strategic Move for Growth ABP’s commitment to growth was solidified with the acquisition of the 227.5-acre Stallingborough site’s freehold in December last year. A key element of this strategy is the submission of an outline planning application for 96 acres of the site, targeted at the automotive sector. The plans include external storage and distribution facilities, up to 12,000 square metres of associated buildings, landscaping designed to enhance biodiversity, solar PV panels, and essential infrastructure. Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of ABP’s Humber Ports, emphasised the importance of this investment: “This strategic investment in the growth of our Humber ports ensures we maintain a leading position in the port sector. Supporting our customers’ expansion is crucial for driving regional investment and creating jobs.” Meeting Rising Demand With demand increasing for energy generation, automotive storage, bulk warehousing, and distribution facilities, this development is a timely response to evolving market needs. Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) at ABP, highlighted the site’s potential: “This significant investment brings to fruition our shared ambition to create a major UK port logistics hub. Stallingborough is uniquely positioned as one of the largest development parcels near the ports and a key opportunity in the Yorkshire region.” Seventy acres of the site will be dedicated to the automotive sector, supporting growth at Immingham and Grimsby ports. ABP plans to begin work on the scheme next year, with additional plans for green landscaping and solar panels to provide renewable energy to the development. A Prime Location Strategically located near the A180 dual carriageway, the site benefits from exceptional connectivity, including proximity to the Humber Link Road, a key transport link completed in 2021 that connects Immingham and Grimsby. This location offers unparalleled access to motorway networks, further enhancing its appeal as a logistics hub. The site, known as Pioneer Business Park (PBP), has been earmarked for employment use since 2013. Traditionally used for agriculture, it now represents a cornerstone of ABP’s property strategy and a critical asset for future-proofing commercial growth on the Humber. A Vision for Sustainability Sustainability is central to ABP’s plans. In addition to green energy initiatives like ground-mounted solar panels, the site will feature landscaping designed to boost biodiversity, ensuring the development aligns with modern environmental standards. “We are committed to integrating sustainable practices throughout our operations,” Dawes added. “This development not only supports our customers but also aligns with our broader goals of environmental stewardship and innovation.” The Road Ahead As ABP looks to the future, the Stallingborough expansion is a testament to its commitment to driving regional growth, fostering innovation, and meeting the needs of a dynamic global market. With its strategic location, cutting-edge facilities, and focus on sustainability, this development positions ABP at the forefront of the UK’s port industry while reinforcing its role as a key player in the Humber’s economic future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aerospheres Takes Flight with World-Class Hub at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead

Aerospheres Takes Flight with World-Class Hub at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead

Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, is pleased to announce that Aerospheres, a leading supplier of consumables to the aviation industry, has committed to a new ten-year lease of DC9 Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. DC9, a state-of-the-art 74,770 sq ft facility located near the M1 and M25 motorways, is currently under construction and will serve as the new operational hub for the business, supporting its mission to supply aviation products globally. The site’s proximity to London’s major airports was a key factor in Aerospheres’ decision to relocate its operations and the new facility will enable the business to adopt cutting-edge new process and technologies, acting as a Centre of Excellence and flagship for innovation and automation. Prologis UK’s latest development in Hemel Hempstead is focused on delivering high quality, sustainable industrial space. It has achieved both EPC A+ and BREEAM Outstanding ratings – representing exemplary sustainability performance. The development features flexible mezzanine spaces, outdoor terraces which are directly accessible from first floor offices and well-appointed external amenity spaces. Paul Thompson, CEO of Aerospheres, added: “Securing DC9 Hemel Hempstead as our new UK Headquarters marks an exciting step forward for Aerospheres. This building will provide us with the capacity we need to expand our operations and continue to provide our customers with the highest level of service.” Robin Woodbridge, Head of Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Aerospheres to Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. The pre-let of DC9 demonstrates the ongoing appeal of our developments to forward-looking businesses that need modern, flexible space to grow. Aerospheres plays an essential role in keeping the aviation industry running smoothly, and we’re proud that they’ve chosen to expand their operations with us.” For Prologis, this pre-let demonstrates the appeal of its latest speculative development in Hemel Hempstead, ensuring that the location continues to lead as a destination for businesses seeking to grow in the South East. Further units, ranging in size from 20,860 to 66,735 sq ft are currently available at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Timpson & Caddick Break Ground On New Max Spielman Development

Timpson & Caddick Break Ground On New Max Spielman Development

Caddick has commenced building work on site at Max Spielman’s new warehouse at Bromborough’s international business park, marking the first owned and occupied premises for Timpson’s printing specialist. To mark the start of construction work, Timpson Group Chairman, Sir John Timpson, joined Caddick on site at Power Road where the contractor will be delivering an £8m contract to build a 77,400 sq ft industrial development. Work on site comes 16 years after the family-owned Timpson Group acquired Max Spielman and will see the development of a 9.5-acre site to create warehousing for storage and distribution with internal mezzanine offices and car parking. Caddick’s appointment to the development follows planning permission by Wirral Council in April 2024 and marks the first time Caddick has worked on behalf of Timpson Group, bringing together two prominent family-owned northern businesses. Set to complete in September 2025, the new Power Road development adds to Caddick’s growing pipeline of industrial projects across the North West, which also includes Ark 42 at Trafford Park Road on behalf of Trebor Developments. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, commented: “The new development at Power Road is a huge investment by Timpson Group and a statement of intent by the definitive leader in photo printing – a business that has impressively diversified in an evolving market.  “As a family-owned business ourselves, our culture means a lot to us and we are very proud to be working in partnership with Timpson as a likeminded family-owned business, with which we share many values. We have a relatively short build programme in which we’ll build brand new facilities for Max Spielman, and we are looking forward to progressing on site and building our wider industrial pipeline throughout 2025.” Sir John Timpson CBE, Chairman and Owner of Timpson, commented: “I’m pleased that in Caddick we have formed an important partnership with another vibrant family business to deliver this development at Power Road. Exactly 16 years ago Timpson acquired the Max Spielman business, taking it out of administration, and since then it has developed a reputation for exceptional customer service and grown to become the UK’s leading photo service retailer with over 400 outlets. This new development on Power Road marks an important step in our plans to strengthen the Max Spielman business for its future growth, and it is great to have Caddick appointed as main contractor to help us achieve this.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Big Yellow Self Storage appoints Glencar to build new £18M, 135,000 sq. ft (MLA) six storey flagship store in London

Big Yellow Self Storage appoints Glencar to build new £18M, 135,000 sq. ft (MLA) six storey flagship store in London

Development situated at Staples Corner will comprise of self-storage units and flexible-use office accommodation. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres, Commercial Studios and Civils, has today announced that is has been appointed by long-running and repeat customer Big Yellow Self Storage to build a new 135,000 sq. ft (MLA) six storey development at a site situated at Staples Corner, North West, London. The project will see the design, construction and turnkey fit-out of a new six storey flagship store. It will include self-storage accommodation together with flexibly designed office spaces, catering for increasing demand from both domestic and business users. Ground works onsite will include the installation of below ground drainage and services with ground improvement to both foundations and ground floor slab. The building will comprise of a steel portal frame design with full façade cladding with concealed LED lighting and curtain walling. The project will also see the installation of an internal lightweight steel mezzanine structure, services and full fit out works. The building’s green credentials targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rating include a 200kwp solar PV array with EV chargers and battery storage Construction is expected to be complete by the start of June 2026. Commenting on the appointment Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director for London and the South said: “Big Yellow Self Storage are one of our longest running customers and we are very happy to be working together again on this build which serves as the biggest project we will have delivered to date for them. A key feature of the design is circa 400 square metres of flexible office space at the forefront, overlooking the very prominent Edgware Road and Staples Corner West Roundabout. The office spaces we will be delivering have been designed to be highly flexible and will vary in size, ranging from 10 to 20 sq. m. They are designed to be utilised either independently or in conjunction with the storage facilities, providing versatility for various business needs. This initiative is also expected to create additional employment opportunities in the area. We have assembled an exceptional team on this project and we look forward to getting started and delivering another outstanding solution”. Also commenting Nigel Hartley, Construction Director  at Big Yellow Self Storage said: “This new landmark building replaces the current leasehold Big Yellow facility providing environmentally friendly and sustainable storage space in a great location. We are delighted to have appointed Glencar on what we hope will be a successful project for us all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SLR Consulting provides wide range of services for £1bn development

SLR Consulting provides wide range of services for £1bn development

GLOBAL leader in sustainability solutions, SLR Consulting, has provided a wide range of its extensive services to Eren Holding for the £1bn transformation of Shotton Mill Limited. SLR is providing a substantial suite of its long line of services, including planning and EIA teams, GIS, ecology, hydrology, transport, landscape, air quality, noise and vibration, sustainable waste management, permitting, safety advisory and process engineering. The consultancy was the first to be appointed to the project after being initially contacted by Eren Holding back in March of 2020, tasked with identifying sites that would be suitable for a UK paper manufacturing facility. After scoping out numerous locations, SLR then facilitated an introduction to the previous owners of the chosen site and acted as a trusted advisor during the sale, before providing various due diligence and looking at the potential environmental impact of the site. The planning in particular required an innovative approach, with SLR splitting the planning into separate applications so the project itself could be delivered at the pace to meet necessary deadlines.  Paul Wright, EU regional sector leader, industry & technology at SLR and the project delivery director, said: “The Shotton Mill project is not only a clear indication of how SLR can act as trusted advisors for the entire duration of a project, but also the wide range of services we have available. “The brief itself started off with finding suitable locations for the paper mill, but this quickly grew into a substantial service offering, with Shotton Mill Limited enjoying an ‘all under one roof’ type service. Working in this way allows our clients to enjoy an integrated service and great value for money. “With sustainability at the heart of what we do, this project also aligns perfectly with us as a business as the facility will significantly improve recycling levels in the UK. Previously, the UK has exported significant quantities of our recovered fibre, but Shotton Mill will enable the UK to change that and drastically reduce exports of recovered fibre and imports of finished products in the process creating value in the UK.” Dan Johnson, general manager at Shotton Mill, said: “SLR has provided great support for the duration of this project. The consultancy has helped us navigate the planning and permitting processes related to this development with great skill and efficiency given the scale and complexity of this brownfield redevelopment.” Formerly used to produce newsprint paper employing more than 500 people in the 1990s, the facility will now be turned into one of the UK’s largest containerboard and tissue production facilities – with an aim to start operating in 2025. The project itself is considered to be a significant infrastructure project in the UK and the first phase, once completed will create approximately 400 jobs and produce up to 750,000 tonnes of containerboard and 67,000 tonnes of tissue annually. For more information on SLR Consulting, visit slrconsulting.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Fusion Utilities Officially Opens Flagship Horizon 29 Development

Fusion Utilities Officially Opens Flagship Horizon 29 Development

The fulfilment centre combines new operational capabilities with a sustainable design. A new Chesterfield fulfilment centre, owned by Fusion Utilities, that is set to improve operational efficiency, capacity, and customer service, has now officially opened. The new site reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and generating jobs for local people. Wolseley Infrastructure, parent company of Fusion Utilities, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the launch of its flagship facility at Horizon 29 in Chesterfield on Tuesday 3rd December. As part of the event, Neal Lambert, Technical Director at Fusion Utilities unveiled the new centre to the public. He was joined by the Wolseley leadership team consisting of Chairman Bruno Deschamps, CEO Simon Gray, COO John Hancock, MD Infrastructure Matt Parker and CFO Nicky Thomas. The new multi-million-pound centre has been designed to support Fusion Utilities in its journey to being the leading supplier to the UK’s water, gas, power, and telecommunication sectors. The 150,000 sq. ft facility is intended to support Fusion’s fulfilment capabilities and stock capacity by integrating faster, streamlined distribution and fulfilment systems. This will enable the brand to accommodate its largest range of utilities stock so far, seeing customers have access to a range of products when, and wherever they need them, with minimal environmental impact. Situated at junction 29A of the M1, the facility’s central location means it offers excellent accessibility to the UK’s motorway network, making the facility accessible to customers across the country. This further reinforces Fusion Utilities’ commitment to first-class customer service and operational efficiency into the future. The new state-of-the-art facility seamlessly integrates warehouse and office space for optimised efficiency and service quality. The facility has also been designed with a number of environmentally friendly features such as EV charging stations, energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, eco-friendly materials, and a large recycling centre as part of Fusion’s wider carbon footprint reduction strategy within the utilities sector. David Coxhead, National Sales Director of Fusion Utilities, said “Our new flagship facility at Horizon 29 will facilitate us to improve the level of service we provide to a world-class level. There is no other centre in the UK with the same stock level. The structure to transport it efficiently and quickly to our customers for the whole of England, Scotland, and Wales in full and on time will truly allow us to focus on our Customer First approach to business. It is a game changer for us and the whole Infrastructure distribution sector, but most of all for our customers.”  The facility is a testament to Fusion Utilities’ commitment to integrating operational excellence in the utilities sector with environmental sustainability while delivering excellent customer service. To find out more about Fusion Utilities, visit here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£40 Million Green Logistics Hub Approved for Stevenage: A Major Step Forward

£40 Million Green Logistics Hub Approved for Stevenage: A Major Step Forward

Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) have announced the approval of a cutting-edge 120,000 sq ft logistics facility in Stevenage, further solidifying their position as leaders in sustainable urban logistics. This approval brings Wrenbridge’s total 2024 pipeline to an impressive 700,000 sq ft. The development, located on a 5-acre site in the established Pin Green Industrial Estate, represents a £40 million investment and forms part of the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund (“FRELD”). This fund continues to focus on small to mid-sized urban logistics sites across the UK, providing essential infrastructure for growing businesses. Strategic Location, State-of-the-Art Features Dubbed AIM, Stevenage, the site enjoys a prime position just east of the A1, close to junctions 7 and 8, making it ideal for businesses seeking proximity to London or looking to enhance their operations. The location is expected to appeal to a range of occupiers, from local enterprises to firms relocating from the capital. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to achieve an EPC A+ rating, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Key features include: Driving Stevenage’s Regeneration This development comes amid Stevenage’s ambitious 20-year, £1 billion regeneration plan, which aims to revitalise the area for businesses and residents alike. The logistics hub will contribute to this transformation, creating much-needed employment opportunities and attracting investment to the region. Will Jarman, Associate Director at Wrenbridge and Development Manager for AIM, Stevenage, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to secure planning approval for a facility that will bring vital employment space to the area. With a planned completion in Q4 2025, this development will offer a top-tier location minutes from the A1(M), perfectly suited to a local business looking to expand or a company seeking high-quality, strategically positioned logistics space.” A Year of Milestones for Wrenbridge and Fiera This Stevenage project is the latest in a series of high-profile developments for Wrenbridge and Fiera in 2024. Other recent successes include a 155,000 sq ft facility near Heathrow (Air-Heathrow) and an 84,000 sq ft logistics site in Hayes (Boxyard, Hayes). As demand for sustainable, well-located logistics spaces continues to rise, the AIM project stands out as a testament to innovation, forward-thinking design, and a commitment to greener infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar appointed by Aviva Investors to build new 174,000 sq. ft industrial development in Birmingham

Glencar appointed by Aviva Investors to build new 174,000 sq. ft industrial development in Birmingham

Construction of Catalyst Industrial Park will see the development of four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft up to 64,250 sq. ft. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres, Commercial Studios and Civils, has today announced that is has been appointed by Aviva Investors to construct four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft upto 64,250 sq. ft at Catalyst Industrial Park strategic logistics development situated site off Drews Lane in Birmingham. The secure, detached units of modern steel portal frame design will feature 8-12.5M eaves, 50KN/M2 floor loading, 3-phase power, dock loading and level access doors on units 1 (64,250 sq. ft) and 2 (63,300 sq. ft) and feature 24-hour access. They will be constructed targeting a BREEAM rating of excellent and EPC A rating, whilst also featuring photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Speaking about the project, Glencar Managing Director for Midlands and North, Pete Goodman, said: “We are working with Aviva Investors currently on construction of the new 60,000 sq ft Sidney Sussex Advanced Laboratory & Life Sciences facility in Chesterford Research Park so we are naturally delighted to receive this further instruction in this key strategic logistics location in Birmingham. Logistics & Industrial is at the heart of what we do and we look forward to working with Aviva Investors and the full project team to deliver this outstanding scheme which features leading edge ESG credentials which are becoming standard in this sector”. James Stevens, Head of Real Estate Investment at Aviva Investors said: “We are pleased to partner with Glencar at Catalyst Industrial Park, which we think is an exciting new development project in a strategically important logistics location. Building on our existing relationship at Chesterford Research Park, one of the UK’s leading life science hubs, we look forward to delivering four exceptional facilities that we expect will be highly attractive to firms looking to benefit from Birmingham’s excellent logistics credentials, whilst also having the potential to contribute to long-term performance in our portfolio.” Catalyst Park is located in a popular industrial area of Birmingham on the historic former LDV manufacturing site. Direct access to the scheme is off Drews Lane, minutes away from the key arterial route of the A47 (Heartlands Spine Road), providing easy access to both J5 and J6 of the M6 which are both less than 3 miles from the site. Catalyst Park also benefits from being located outside the Birmingham City Centre congestion charge but in easy reach of the Birmingham Inner ring road and city centre 4 miles southwest. For further information about the project please click https://catalystindustrialpark.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Oxfordshire's Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

Oxfordshire’s Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

The Bicester Arc, a state-of-the-art 48-acre commercial business park near Oxford, is making strides toward delivering cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses. The development promises to offer bespoke facilities, flexible workspaces, and exceptional connectivity, solidifying its position as a premier destination for innovation and growth. The park boasts a dedicated 13.7MVA power supply, a unique feature that sets it apart in the competitive market. Combined with a skilled local workforce, ample housing, and sustainability initiatives, Bicester Arc is designed to accommodate businesses seeking hybrid and future-focused operational solutions. Located near Bicester Village retail park, the site offers seamless transport links. Oxford is just 14 minutes away by train, London Marylebone is reachable in 46 minutes, and the M40’s Junction 9 is only a two-minute drive, ensuring excellent access to major hubs like London and Birmingham. The development has secured over 600,000 sq. ft of flexible commercial space through three major planning permissions, including a 62,000 sq. ft headquarters office/laboratory and 100,000 sq. ft across two office and R&D buildings. These sustainable structures will sit within landscaped plots, complemented by an exclusive 15-acre eco-park featuring biodiversity-rich environments and walking routes for occupiers. The site caters to a wide range of industries, attracting leaders in advanced engineering, deep tech, and new technologies. Its buildings, ranging from 10,000 to 600,000 sq. ft, provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes to thrive in one of the UK’s most economically vibrant regions. Bicester Arc is a joint venture between Peveril Securities Limited, a subsidiary of Bowmer & Kirkland, one of the UK’s most successful privately owned construction companies, and Sladen Estates, known for delivering high-quality projects nationwide. Construction will be managed by Bowmer & Kirkland, ensuring a seamless delivery experience. The project has also retained CBRE, White Commercial and Knight Frank as letting agents to enhance its market reach, with White Commercial leveraging its expertise in the automotive and technology sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Network Space Developments secures planning for four new industrial units on former Manchester College site

Network Space Developments secures planning for four new industrial units on former Manchester College site

Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning permission for four new industrial units at its site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw, in Manchester. Bought by NSD in 2022, the former Manchester College site covers 4 acres and will be redeveloped to form an extension to the adjacent City Works Business Park. Approved by Manchester City Council, the full planning application allows for the demolition of several buildings that had been previously used as workshops by the Manchester School of Building. These will make way for 75,173 sq ft of multi-let industrial accommodation for B2 and B8 uses. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, is accessed from Ashton Old Road (A635) and will comprise of four highly sustainable commercial units with first floor ancillary office space, ranging from 7,674 sq ft to 29,439 sq ft. Externally, there will be generous service yards, 98 car parking spaces with 20 EV charging points. The site is just 4km from both the city centre and the M60 which, in turn, provides transport links to the M67, M56 and M62, allowing connectivity with key regional hubs Liverpool, Warrington, Leeds and Sheffield. The scheme’s sustainability credentials are strengthened with various bus routes close by and Ashbury train station just 1km away. Joe Burnett, Development Director for NSD, commented: “We’re thrilled to have secured planning permission for this project, which marks the final phase of development at City Works Business Park. While this new scheme will have its own identity, it will complement the existing City Works, which remains a flagship NSD project and is a testament to our commitment to deliver high-quality, sustainable industrial spaces.” “Located in a sought-after area of Greater Manchester, the site is perfectly positioned for industrial and last-mile logistics uses, with the added benefit of accessibility to a skilled local workforce. This new phase will provide commercial occupiers with premium, sustainable facilities in a prime location. Demolition is now underway and we intend to be on site with the main building works next year.” City Works Business Park, also developed by NSD and now owned and managed by Network Space Investments, is a highly successful hub of 48 trade and warehouse units ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 sq ft, totalling 173,330 sq ft. Fully let to a mix of trade, industrial, and employment tenants, the park exemplifies NSD’s expertise in delivering high-quality, functional, and sustainable developments. The professional team included AEW Architects, GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates and Spawforths, who all advised NSD on the planning application. The agents for the scheme are Rob Taylor from Cushman & Wakefield and Ruth Leighton from JLL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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