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Commercial : Industrial News

GLP leases last mile distribution centre in Villaverde, Madrid

Kenneth Booth December 14, 2021

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the successful lease of G-Park Villaverde warehouse in Madrid to a US e-commerce company.  On a 70,000 SQM plot of land, GLP will develop a state-of-the-art building totaling approximately 17,000 SQM. Given its proximity to the city of Madrid, G-Park Villaverde is ideally located for last-mile distribution. 

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Giant new distribution centre built by GMI for ASOS now live.

Kenneth Booth December 13, 2021

State of the art 437,000 sq ft facility becomes the fourth fulfilment centre opened to date by the online fashion giant. GMI Construction Group PLC has heralded the official opening of a giant new state-of-the-art 437,000 sq ft fulfilment centre built for leading online retailer ASOS at a site at

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Stoford wins approval to extend Worcester Six Business Park

Kenneth Booth December 13, 2021

Stoford has had its plans approved to extend Worcester Six Business Park on the southern side of the site. Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approved the application today (Thursday, December 9), which means the leading developer will be able to provide up to a further 680,000 sq ft of floorspace

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Approval given for Victoria PLC unit at Worcester Six Business Park

Kenneth Booth December 10, 2021

Worcestershire-based Victoria PLC, the UK’s largest flooring manufacturer and distributor, has been granted permission for a bespoke 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park. The planning committee of Wychavon District Council approved plans, submitted by leading developer Stoford, for unit 7, where Victoria PLC will house Alliance Flooring

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Railpen and Wrenbridge secure major new occupier at Dartford X

Kenneth Booth November 19, 2021

Railpen and Wrenbridge have signed a major new occupier, Leathams Ltd, a food supplier and distributor, at Dartford X.  Leathams Ltd have taken a pre-let of 30,000 sq ft at the site. Dartford X covers nine-acres and was acquired by Railpen in December 2019. Railpen’s development partner Wrenbridge have delivered

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Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

GLP leases last mile distribution centre in Villaverde, Madrid

Kenneth Booth December 14, 2021

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the successful lease of G-Park Villaverde warehouse in Madrid to a US e-commerce company.  On a 70,000 SQM plot of land, GLP will develop a state-of-the-art building totaling approximately 17,000 SQM. Given its proximity to the city of Madrid, G-Park Villaverde is ideally located for last-mile distribution.  In addition, it is well-connected to the M-40, without passing through residential areas. It offers the possibility of a 100% sustainable distribution service to the city, using electric vehicles and bicycles (10 minutes by delivery lorry, 40 minutes by conventional bicycle and 20 minutes by electric bicycle from the warehouse to the center of Madrid).  The logistics warehouse will generate a high number of jobs, which will benefit the surrounding urban centers. In addition, the connections with local metro services, buses and Madrid trains will facilitate easy access for staff using public transport to reach G-Park Villaverde.   The logistics center has state-of-the-art sustainability features. The logistics platform is BREEAM Very Good certified, reflecting GLP’s commitment to developing sustainable spaces across its European portfolio. Among the many sustainability and wellness features are an energy production and management system and increased insulation.   In addition, this project will have measures compatible with wellness certifications for employee wellbeing. These include improved lighting and acoustics, water fountains and pleasant recreational environments. All these measures will help to attract employees and improve employee productivity.  Oscar Heras, Country Director of GLP Spain, says: “We are pleased to welcome a new customer to G-Park Villaverde. This logistics project combines cutting-edge design with the most innovative quality and sustainability standards. Furthermore, our ESG commitment reflects our desire to respect the wellbeing of the surrounding communities, ensuring that our presence brings benefits.” 

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Giant new distribution centre built by GMI for ASOS now live.

Kenneth Booth December 13, 2021

State of the art 437,000 sq ft facility becomes the fourth fulfilment centre opened to date by the online fashion giant. GMI Construction Group PLC has heralded the official opening of a giant new state-of-the-art 437,000 sq ft fulfilment centre built for leading online retailer ASOS at a site at Fradley Park in Lichfield. The £90 million development which took 39 weeks to build features over 407,000 sq ft of warehouse space together with 30,000 sq ft of offices.  More than 700 people have already been recruited at the facility, with that number rising to 2,000 over the next three years in order to serve customers in the UK and 150 other countries across the world. ASOS said it expects to ship over 30 million units in the site’s first year, and up to 4.5 million per week once the facility is fully operational and automation is complete. It said it expects the facility to help it meet its goal of reaching £7 billion in annual revenue within the next three to four years. Speaking about the opening ASOS Chief Operating Officer UK Mat Dunn said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of our brand-new warehouse in Lichfield, which will support our ambitious international growth plans and bring a significant number of jobs to the area,” “Our choice of Lichfield reflects the skills and talent it has to offer and we’re looking forward to becoming part of the local community in the years ahead.” Also commenting GMI managing Director Andy Bruce said: “Its enormously gratifying to see this incredible building officially come to life and become operational.  It is the culmination of nearly two years of construction, fit out and enabling works. The full project team should be very proud of what has been delivered here which once again is a clear example of GMI’s ability to deliver first class projects on time and on budget without compromise” ASOS currently operates three other fulfilment centres, in Barnsley, Berlin and Atlanta.

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Stoford wins approval to extend Worcester Six Business Park

Kenneth Booth December 13, 2021

Stoford has had its plans approved to extend Worcester Six Business Park on the southern side of the site. Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approved the application today (Thursday, December 9), which means the leading developer will be able to provide up to a further 680,000 sq ft of floorspace on 61.18 acres of land, adjacent to Newtown Road. An extension has always been part of the Worcester Six Business Park plans and it is included in the South Worcestershire Development Plan, which was adopted in 2016 by councils in south Worcestershire. Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford, said: “This is an important step forward for the growth of Worcester Six and it comes at a time when we are in a strong position to put forward our long-term plans to add carefully designed units that are in keeping with the location. We are looking forward to making a start so that we can attract even more national and international companies to Worcester, bringing much-needed jobs to the area.” The developer is also fulfilling its commitment to safeguarding and improving the green space at ensuring Worcester Six. It has worked with Worcestershire’s Green Infrastructure (GI) Partnership to create a long-term GI Concept Plan, which will see Stoford putting aside 6.55ha of the site for natural habitats and landscaping, in addition to on-plot landscaping. Plans include the retention of woodland, grassland areas, and species-rich hedgerows.  New habitats will be created, including a wildflower meadow, a wildlife tower, and a variety of structures to support insects, invertebrates, birds and bats. Worcester Six Business Park is a few minutes’ drive from junction six of the M5 and home to a number of major national and international companies, including IONOS, Kohler Mira, Spire Healthcare, Cornelius, Kimal, and Materials Solutions.

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Approval given for Victoria PLC unit at Worcester Six Business Park

Kenneth Booth December 10, 2021

Worcestershire-based Victoria PLC, the UK’s largest flooring manufacturer and distributor, has been granted permission for a bespoke 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park. The planning committee of Wychavon District Council approved plans, submitted by leading developer Stoford, for unit 7, where Victoria PLC will house Alliance Flooring Distribution, one of its businesses. Both Stoford and Victoria PLC have committed to a more environmentally friendly approach to the development, with the base build of the unit being net carbon zero in operation. It will also have photovoltaic panels on the roof and there will be extensive electric vehicle charging points. Stoford will also create two new ponds to further improve the green infrastructure on the business park. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said it had secured £28.3 million forward funding for the scheme from Frasers Logistics and Commercial Trust (FLCT), a Singapore-based REIT (real estate investment trust). Frasers’ acquisition through a forward funding agreement for the facility builds on its strategy to grow its core logistics and industrial portfolio in existing markets. Stoford aims to start building work in the new year, with an expected completion date of Q4 2022. “We’re pleased to have been given the go-ahead for another major business to join the raft of global names that have already made their home at Worcester Six,” said Edward. “This is a thriving business park that is playing a significant role in helping to boost the local economy, thanks to the jobs the businesses are creating, and Victoria PLC will be no exception as it forges ahead with its growth plans. “We’re looking forward to getting started on delivering the scheme for this historic, local company.” Victoria PLC, a major employer in Kidderminster since 1900, has agreed a 15-year lease for bespoke unit. Philippe Hamers, CEO for Victoria PLC, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted. It means we are one step closer to enjoying an exciting new chapter that will enable us to both future-proof and grow our distribution business. We’re looking forward working with Stoford as our bespoke, environmentally friendly unit is built at Worcester Six.”  In the past three years, Worcester Six has welcomed a number of national and global names to the business park, including Zwick Roell, Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira and IONOS.  Victoria PLC was advised by Brasier Freeth and Stoford by BNP Paribas and Harris Lamb. For details about the scheme and other units that can be provided, contact the agent: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Ben Wiley at BNP Paribas – ben.wiley@realestate.bnpparibas

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Bolton-based Booth Industries opens new factory unit to build HS2 safety doors

Kenneth Booth December 8, 2021

HS2 CEO Mark Thurston visits Bolton factory as work starts on £36.5m contract Bolton SME continues to recruit new staff to build over 300 safety doors for HS2 tunnels Progress on the manufacturing of safety doors for HS2 tunnels been made as Booth Industries, a Bolton based SME, opened its new purpose built facility where the doors will be built. Today [Tuesday 7th December] they welcomed HS2 CEO, Mark Thurston, to the new unit and to meet staff working on the project. The £36.5million 10-year contract awarded in September 2020 has enabled Booth Industries to expand its facility in Bolton and increase its workforce including offering new apprenticeships. The company employed its first female apprentice earlier this year adding to its 130 staff based in Greater Manchester. The new 600m2 facility is adjacent to the main factory in the heart of Bolton, and will increase the capacity on the production line, enabling the company to fulfil the HS2 contract whilst delivering other work. The initial phase of the HS2 contract will focus on developing and testing, and then manufacturing of the cast-in sub-frames. Manufacturing and installation is expected to start around 2025.  Speaking after his visit to Booth Industries in Bolton, HS2 CEO Mark Thurston said: “There are businesses across the UK with the expertise and ability to help us build HS2 and Booth Industries is just one of over 2,000 that are already helping us do that. It is great to see the benefit the project is bringing to an SME in Bolton, as well as the onward economic impact through the local supply chain. “As progress to build HS2 continues, there will be thousands of contract opportunities for UK companies to become part of this exciting national endeavour.” The safety doors will play a crucial role in the operation of the railway, sealing off the cross passageways between the separate north and southbound tunnels and giving access in the event of an emergency. With trains capable of travelling at speeds of up to 250Mph passing within metres of the doors, they will not only need to provide fire integrity and insulation for up to two hours but will also have to withstand a wide-range of challenging day-to-day environmental and fatigue pressures.  The doors will be capable of withstanding constant 14Kpa pressure cycles, along with 2hr Integrity and 2hr Insulation against fire – a world first and setting a new benchmark within the industry. They will be manufactured using majority UK made steel and fitted across the 32 miles of tunnel between London and Crewe. Since winning the contract, Booth has made progress to become a carbon neutral company. Having implemented a carbon zero roadmap, the business is already operating as a Carbon Neutral and will continue to progress to reach Net Zero by 2025. Mike Jenkinson, Managing Director of Booth Industries, said: “We’re proud to welcome HS2 to our primary site in Bolton, where our new state-of-the-art, energy efficient, manufacturing facility has just been built. The new facility provides valuable additional capacity to facilitate the delivery of several key public sector contracts, including our work for HS2. “The skills required to deliver this project are highly specialised, including modelling the effect of a 200mph wind load created by trains as they pass the doors at high speed, destructive testing for fatigue and fire-testing in furnaces, reaching temperatures of around 1,000 degrees Celsius. Delivering on this means pairing decades of knowledge and unique I.P. with new innovative techniques and designs. “Securing the contract has also enabled us to create new jobs, including apprenticeships and graduate positions, and many more will come once we move into the manufacturing and installation phases. We are delighted to be part of this key infrastructure project and looking forward to delivering a program of great British engineering and manufacturing we can all be proud of.” As the construction of HS2 gathers further pace, thousands of contract opportunities will be available, creating many associated jobs. To date over 20,000 people are supporting the construction of HS2, and nearly 2,400 UK businesses delivering the work. For more information about joining HS2’s supply chain visit hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/supply-chain/

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Panattoni commence construction on three speculative units at V Park, Basingstoke

Kenneth Booth December 8, 2021

Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, and Legal & General’s Industrial Property Investment Fund (IPIF) have begun speculatively developing three targeted net zero carbon logistics facilities, totalling 213,350 sq ft, at V Park, Basingstoke. V Park is located at Viables Industrial Park between junctions 6 and 7 of the M3, well positioned to take advantage of regional axis routes including the M25, A34, M27 and M4, serving the London, Southampton and south east markets. It is part of Panattoni’s commitment to a significant speculative development programme in the UK in response to strong demand from occupiers for immediately available space. V Park is expected to be completed in Q3 2022. Buckingham Group Contracting has been appointed main contractor on site and demolition has already commenced. The three facilities of 39,500 sq ft, 77,550 sq ft and 96,300 sq ft will benefit from a market-leading specification, harnessing net zero carbon technology to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. They will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ with many sustainable features. They will also benefit from 50m, self-contained yards, electric vehicle charging points, 12.5m clear internal height,15% roof lights and up to 2.5MVa of power is available. Alex Mitchell, Development Associate at Panattoni, said: “V Park is a superb opportunity for all occupiers looking to service the London, Southampton and south east markets. It will be a net zero carbon development, which not only reflects our commitment to sustainable development but also provides superior energy performance for occupiers”. The agents for the scheme are CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield. For more information, please click here

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Caddick Construction Secures Smurfit Kappa Building Project in North Wales

Kenneth Booth November 30, 2021

Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver a 14,500 sq m factory extension for FTSE 100 packaging company Smurfit Kappa, making it the largest integrated corrugated plant in the UK. The manufacturing facility at Mold Business Park in Flintshire is used to create shelf ready packaging for the retail sector, along with other streams of packaging for the food and beverage, e-commerce, industrial, health, beauty, and agricultural sectors. The building is set to complete in summer 2022 with new production capacity phased between then and early 2023. Ben Edwards, contracts manager at Caddick Construction, said: “The expansion will deliver the largest box factory in the company and the Caddick Construction team look forward to helping Smurfit Kappa achieve its growth and sustainability aims. “The project will create new local employment opportunities and deliver a high quality facility. As part of our commitment to generating local jobs, skills and training opportunities, we will use a local supply chain where possible, as well as implementing a number of social value initiatives during the coming year.” The expansion is a big part of the company’s €40 million investment to expand capacity at the Mold plant, and is designed to help Smurfit Kappa meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. The state-of-the-art equipment being installed will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15% per tonne. Smurfit Kappa UK and Ireland CEO, Eddie Fellows, said: “This investment in North Wales will increase our capability, flexibility and speed of response to deliver unrivalled innovative packaging solutions to customers across the UK and Ireland. We are determined to meet the future needs of our customers in a sustainable way. It is vital that our investment has benefits for the local community and the environment.” As part of the project, a three-acre nature trail is being delivered alongside a new diverted footpath and stream, which can be used by the on-site team, as well as the local community. Working in partnership with Park in the Past, a local heritage and conservation project, an additional 10,000 trees, shrubs and bushes will be planted. Soil that needs to be removed as part of the construction process will be used by the nearby heritage project for landscaping needs in and around the old quarry sites. Smurfit Kappa’s Mold plant employs 194 staff and has been in operation since 1994.

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Railpen and Wrenbridge secure major new occupier at Dartford X

Kenneth Booth November 19, 2021

Railpen and Wrenbridge have signed a major new occupier, Leathams Ltd, a food supplier and distributor, at Dartford X.  Leathams Ltd have taken a pre-let of 30,000 sq ft at the site. Dartford X covers nine-acres and was acquired by Railpen in December 2019. Railpen’s development partner Wrenbridge have delivered five new Grade A warehouse units ranging in size from 13,000 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft. The warehouses all have excellent sustainability credentials, with Dartford X achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. All buildings are highly insulated, have PV panels on the roof, and contain water-saving features and energy-efficient lifts. There are also electric vehicle charging points across the site (20 per cent active and 80 per cent passive). Alastair Dawson, Senior Asset Manager at Railpen, says: “We are delighted Leathams have taken space at Dartford X.  Leathams choosing Dartford X shows the park can accommodate major companies wanting to operate from high-specification buildings with excellent access to Central London and the M25 at an affordable price. The industrial and logistics sector form a key part of Railpen’s portfolio at a time when the sector is hugely important to the UK’s economic recovery.” Martin Sandler, Real Estate Director at Leathams, says: “Dartford X is a brilliant location for Leathams. Its proximity to major motorways and transport infrastructure giving us access to Folkstone/Felixstowe for our inbound goods as well as our outbound distribution to London and National, are a key part of its appeal.  Dartford X’s green credentials, the ceiling heights, large yard and generous power supply are important too, particularly as we plan to install a new chilled box as part of our fit-out. The outlook over plentiful green spaces and lakes will also be great for our Colleagues from a wellbeing perspective.  We look forward to occupying the space and a long-term relationship with Railpen.” Harry Gibson, Associate Director at Wrenbridge, says: “The transaction with Leathams Ltd highlights the demand for high specification accommodation in key locations such as Dartford. We have enjoyed working closely with Leathams, and we look forward to growing the relationship further throughout their fit-out and seeing how they utilise the building’s specification and sustainability measures.” Dartford X is owned and managed by Railpen, the investment manager for the GBP35 billion Railways Pension Schemes and developed in partnership with Wrenbridge. CBRE, Cushmans and Glenny represented Railpen.

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Namaka Subsea expands operations at Moorfield’s Aberdeen Energy Park

Kenneth Booth November 15, 2021

Subsea consultancy doubles floorspace at the Innovation Centre Namaka Subsea has upsized operations at Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks in Bridge of Don, with the subsea consultancy company moving from Unit 16 to Units 6 and 7 at the Innovation Centre, having agreed a five-year lease with Moorfield Group, the Parks’ owner and landlord. Namaka Subsea, which provides a range of subsea consulting services, including diving and ROV auditing and assurance, to oil and gas operators, has been based at the Innovation Centre for the past three years. Namaka has recently been awarded a new contract with a leading global energy provider to supply dive system auditing, onshore support, technical advice and assurance services. This contract win has facilitated the expansion of the business over the past 18 months, with headcount increasing from six to eleven employees. Sandy Harper, CEO of Namaka Subsea said: “We are excited with the growth of our business, particularly during challenging economic times. We have been very satisfied with the space we’ve had at the Innovation Centre for the past three years and pleased that we have been able to continue our growth and development within this fantastic location.” Hugh Canham, Head of Asset Management at Moorfield Group added: “Our parks provide the perfect environment for businesses to develop and prosper. We are committed to supporting our existing occupiers and helping them realise their growth ambitions. It is particularly satisfying to see an existing occupier like Namaka Subsea continue to expand here and we wish them continued success.” Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks comprise 200,000 sq ft of multi-let office and industrial space for more than 80 companies and a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen. The Innovation Centre offers occupiers a modern serviced office centre that provides a mix of two to ten person serviced office suites on highly flexible terms. The park offers ample car parking and electric charging points. It is conveniently located, approximately three miles north of Aberdeen city centre and close to the Aberdeen Western Periphery Route. Knight Frank and Ryden are joint agents for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks, which is managed by Avison Young.

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Bericote chooses Glencar to construct new 780,000 sq ft mega logistics and industrial scheme in Coventry.

Kenneth Booth November 12, 2021

The project will see the demolition of the redundant Goliath unit together with enabling works to make way for the design and build of three new industrial/logistics units totalling 780,000 sq ft on a 43-acre site to be known as Coventry Logistics Park in Coventry. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced that it has been awarded a contract by specialist logistics commercial property developers Bericote Properties to construct 780,000 sq ft of speculative industrial space across three new units at a site in Coventry to be known as Coventry Logistics Park. Works commenced at the start of the month with demolition of the existing building together with enabling works.  The project is expected to be complete by the summer of next year. It will feature three units of 484,000 sq ft, 251,000 sq ft and 47,000 sq ft, which have been designed by leading architects Corstorphine & Wright. All the units will be built to BREEAM Excellent rating with the two larger units totalling 15 metre eaves and the smaller unit 10 metres. Speaking about the project award Pete Goodman Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North said: “Coventry Logistics Park looks set to become one of the West Midlands newest and highest profile logistics/industrial developments and we are absolutely delighted to have been instructed by Bericote and their joint venture partner JP Morgan on the project. We are gearing up to get started shortly with the demolition and redevelopment of the former Toys R Us site that sits on the site currently to then follow with construction of this brand new three-unit mega scheme. Glencar has made its name in the construction of high-quality logistics/industrial units and we are looking forward to delivering another example of that for Bericote and JP Morgan across the full project team” Coventry Logistics Park is located close to Junction 2 of the M6 motorway offering excellent transport throughout the west midlands and beyond. For further information visit  https://coventrylogisticspark.co.uk/

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