Commercial : Industrial News
Heathrow Appoints McLaren for Landmark Logistics Redevelopment

Heathrow Appoints McLaren for Landmark Logistics Redevelopment

Heathrow Airport has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver the redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park, a 1.6-hectare site being transformed into a state-of-the-art logistics hub. The £multi-million project will see the creation of four modern warehouse buildings, split into 32 flexible units ranging between 200 and 400 sq m at

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McLaren Construction completes Omega West development

McLaren Construction completes Omega West development

A significant milestone has been reached in St Helens with the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West, a major 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North. To celebrate the achievement, stakeholders and project partners gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of

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Mileway agrees 170,000 sq ft lease with Rubies and Smiffys in Liverpool

Mileway agrees 170,000 sq ft lease with Rubies and Smiffys in Liverpool

Mileway, the leading pan-European last mile logistics real estate company, has signed a ten-year lease agreement with Rubies, one of the largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of licensed dress up products in the world, and Smiffys, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of fancy dress costumes, wigs, accessories and make-up,

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Tritax and VolkerFitzpatrick Partner on BREEAM Outstanding Logistics Hub in Biggleswade

Tritax and VolkerFitzpatrick Partner on BREEAM Outstanding Logistics Hub in Biggleswade

VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed principal contractor for a major new industrial development at Symmetry Park, Biggleswade, commissioned by Tritax Big Box Developments. The scheme will provide more than 827,000 square feet of high-quality industrial and office accommodation across five state-of-the-art units, positioning the site as a key logistics and distribution

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

Panattoni Expands East Midlands Portfolio with £200m Logistics Investment

Panattoni Expands East Midlands Portfolio with £200m Logistics Investment

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

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Heathrow Appoints McLaren for Landmark Logistics Redevelopment

Heathrow Appoints McLaren for Landmark Logistics Redevelopment

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

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Indurent Celebrates First Year with £1bn Investment and Expanding UK Footprint

Indurent Celebrates First Year with £1bn Investment and Expanding UK Footprint

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

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Hortons completes 200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby

Hortons completes 200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby

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

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More New Units Coming At Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington As Steelwork Goes Up

More New Units Coming At Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington As Steelwork Goes Up

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

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McLaren Construction completes Omega West development

McLaren Construction completes Omega West development

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

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Mileway agrees 170,000 sq ft lease with Rubies and Smiffys in Liverpool

Mileway agrees 170,000 sq ft lease with Rubies and Smiffys in Liverpool

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

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Chancerygate and CBRE IM granted planning for 105,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Eccles, Greater Manchester

Chancerygate and CBRE IM granted planning for 105,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Eccles, Greater Manchester

Chancerygate and CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) have been granted planning to speculatively build 105,000 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics space on a site in Eccles, Greater Manchester. Called Westside and located on Stadium Way , the scheme will comprise nine leasehold units ranging from 6,150 sq ft to 23,500 sq ft. The five-acre site is near the Salford Community Stadium and in close proximity to the M60, M62 and M6 motorways, offering easy access to Manchester, Liverpool and wider North West region. The neighbouring Salford Community Stadium is the home of rugby league side Salford Red Devils and the Sale Sharks rugby union team. All properties at Westside will feature electric vehicle charging points along with solar cells which provide green energy on an affordable basis to occupiers. In addition, the units will be constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme is targeting a BREEAM accreditation of Excellent and for all units to achieve an EPC A rating as a minimum. Chancerygate development manager, Andy Farrer, said: “Westside will deliver high quality accommodation which has strong sustainability credentials and excellent access to key road connections and major motorway networks. “This site will help satisfy the pent-up demand from SME businesses across the Salford, Greater Manchester and the wider North West for high-specification units in a well-established location. “Now that planning has been granted, we look forward to starting works on the site to deliver this much-needed industrial and logistics space and create a prime economic asset for the locality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Tritax and VolkerFitzpatrick Partner on BREEAM Outstanding Logistics Hub in Biggleswade

Tritax and VolkerFitzpatrick Partner on BREEAM Outstanding Logistics Hub in Biggleswade

VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed principal contractor for a major new industrial development at Symmetry Park, Biggleswade, commissioned by Tritax Big Box Developments. The scheme will provide more than 827,000 square feet of high-quality industrial and office accommodation across five state-of-the-art units, positioning the site as a key logistics and distribution hub for the region. Designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating and an EPC A+, the project reflects both Tritax Big Box and VolkerFitzpatrick’s shared commitment to delivering future-ready, energy-efficient developments that support the UK’s net-zero targets. The units, ranging in size from 65,847 to 287,200 square feet, will each include integrated Grade A office space. The development will also feature extensive external works, including service yards, car parking, drainage, landscaping and utility connections. British bakery brand Warburtons has already been confirmed as the first occupier. Construction began earlier this year, with VolkerFitzpatrick placing a strong emphasis on local engagement and environmental responsibility. The contractor is working with local supply chain partners, creating employment opportunities, offering apprenticeships, and supporting community initiatives. Recent efforts include contributions to Biggleswade Food Bank, fundraising for local charities, and volunteering at the Herald Resource Centre, a facility run by learning disability charity Hft, where the team helped improve outdoor spaces. Stuart Deverill, Managing Director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Building Division, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our expertise in delivering sustainable, large-scale industrial developments. Targeting BREEAM Outstanding reflects our commitment to environmental excellence, and we’re equally proud of the social value we’re bringing to the local community throughout the build.” Tom Leeming, Development Director at Tritax Big Box, added: “We are delighted to be working with VolkerFitzpatrick on this strategically important development. Their proven track record in delivering complex industrial projects makes them the ideal partner for this next phase of growth at Biggleswade.” The Biggleswade scheme marks another milestone in VolkerFitzpatrick’s delivery of sustainable, high-quality industrial facilities that meet the needs of modern logistics and distribution networks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni submits plans for further 100,000 sq ft after completing 795,000 sq ft in Milton Keynes

Panattoni submits plans for further 100,000 sq ft after completing 795,000 sq ft in Milton Keynes

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has completed the construction of Panattoni Park Milton Keynes, a premier two-unit logistics development totalling 794,807 sq ft at Junction 14 of the M1. In parallel, the company has acquired a nearby five-acre site on Yeomans Drive and submitted plans for Panattoni Milton Keynes 100, a 94,025 sq ft speculative warehouse scheduled for completion in Q3 2026. The newly completed park comprises two high-specification units: Unit MK 450 (450,479 sq ft) and Unit MK 345(344,328 sq ft). Both offer 18-metre clear internal heights, 50 kN/m² floor loading, and 55-metre service yards. MK 450 includes 40 dock-level doors, two level-access doors, and 4 MVA of power, while MK 345 offers 28 dock doors, two level-access doors, and 2.7 MVA. Together, they provide 698 car parking spaces and 233 trailer bays. Strategically located just three minutes from Junction 14 of the M1, the park is within 51 miles of Central London, and under 75 minutes from both Heathrow and East Midlands airports. It benefits from a local working-age population of 168,400 within a 30-minute drive – expected to grow by 7.8% (51,460 people) by 2030. Both units have been constructed to net-zero carbon standards and have achieved BREEAM “Outstanding” certification and EPC A ratings. Features include LED lighting, low-carbon concrete, and electric vehicle-ready infrastructure – delivering reduced operational emissions and compliance with future environmental standards. Panattoni’s newly acquired site nearby – Milton Keynes 100 – will deliver a 94,025 sq ft logistics facility with 12.5m clear internal height, 35m yard depth, nine dock doors, two level-access doors, and a 750 kVA power supply. The design includes 8,127 sq ft of mezzanine office space, 105 car parking bays, 21 HGV spaces, 22 EV charging points, rainwater harvesting and solar PV. This development will also be built to net-zero carbon construction and target BREEAM “Outstanding” and EPC A credentials. On 10 July, Panattoni hosted local authorities, logistics companies, agents, and community stakeholders at a launch event at Panattoni Park. Attendees toured the completed facilities, explored their sustainability features, and previewed plans for the MK 100 development—demonstrating the strong market demand for future-ready logistics space within the UK’s Golden Triangle. James Watson, Head of Development, Southern England, Panattoni, comments: “The completion of Panattoni Park Milton Keynes marks a major milestone in our UK portfolio, delivering exceptional, sustainable logistics space in a key strategic location. With the acquisition of MK 100, we’re continuing our commitment to speculative development in areas of strong occupier demand, supporting regional growth and supply chain resilience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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