Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has signed a lease agreement with UPS, one of the world’s largest package delivery companies, for a 280,700 sq ft speculatively developed facility at Bolton. UPS has signed a 10-year lease for the largest of the two facilities at the 360,700
The respected, proven DeckProtect+ range of coatings from StructureCare features in the car park at St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s largest development in a generation. Working as a specialist subcontractor to Laing O’Rourke, StructureCare has successfully completed a contract applying liquid applied deck coatings and wayfinding to the three-storey parking structure
Regeneration of the former British Celanese site set to create thousands of jobs Initial occupation of the innovative food production hub – SmartParc SEGRO Spondon – early 2022 The final step has been achieved to enable the 1.85m sqft, high-tech food manufacturing and distribution campus on the 112-acre former Celanese
Network Space has revealed its plans for the redevelopment of the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Re-branded as Broadheath Networkcentre, the proposals include a mixture of high quality refurbishment alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site which will appeal to a variety of
The North-West office of family run business, Caddick Construction, has been appointed by Redsun to deliver AVIATOR Phase II, which comprises two new build warehouses with integral mezzanine offices. Caddick Construction successfully completed phase one in February last year, delivering a 125,000 sq ft warehouse which was let to Survitec
c.£1 billion investment will deliver a c.8 million sq ft new logistics hub with new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange in prime midlands logistics corridor Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a leading global real estate investor, asset manager and business builder, and Logistics Capital Partners (“LCP”), a best in class developer and
The development worth close to EUR 50 million is the first phase of one of the largest megaparks in the country and can be handed over in Q1 2022 The first column has been placed of the first 45,000 sq m warehouse in Fót, which is an important milestone in
Tritax Symmetry has marked the start of work on site to develop 190,000 sq ft logistics / warehouse accommodation with an official ground-breaking ceremony at MA6NITUDE in Middlewich, Cheshire. Main contractor GMI Construction has commenced the construction of units 11 and 12, which will offer 149,000 sq ft and 41,000
All systems go for new 245,000 sq ft logistics facility in Bellshill Knight Property Group has just secured full planning consent from North Lanarkshire Council to develop a brand new £50 million logistics park at Bellshill Industrial Estate, on the site of the former Devro manufacturing facility. The application was
IKEA is officially moving to Dartford after it was revealed they are behind a deal to secure a 450,000 sq ft ‘powerhouse’, but the unit will sadly not be a customer-facing store. The Swedish giants have confirmed they have signed a 15-year lease with developers on a pre-let agreement for
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has signed a lease agreement with UPS, one of the world’s largest package delivery companies, for a 280,700 sq ft speculatively developed facility at Bolton. UPS has signed a 10-year lease for the largest of the two facilities at the 360,700 sq ft Panattoni Park Bolton, which has a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. The facility, which has a 15m clear internal height, 24 dock doors and five-level access doors, was completed in September. It is expected that more than 280 jobs will be created. The first unit of 80,000 sq ft was pre-let in January to Hermes Parcelnet, one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies. Panattoni Park Bolton is close to junction 6 of the M61, providing easy access to the key ports of Liverpool to the west and Hull to the east; the M6 is less than 15 minutes drive, providing access to Scotland, the wider north west and the Midlands. Dan Burn, Development Director for the North West and Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “Panattoni Park Bolton is the only development of its size and scale to have been built in Greater Manchester this year. The fact that we have let the two units to two global delivery companies reflects their confidence in this region. “The town has the second highest employee base in Greater Manchester, yet with wages below the regional average labour costs remain attractive, as does the good mix of skills among the workforce. Employment in the logistics sector is considerably higher than both the regional and national average”. DTRE, Savills and Knight Frank were the letting agents and TSL Projects was the contractor.
The respected, proven DeckProtect+ range of coatings from StructureCare features in the car park at St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s largest development in a generation. Working as a specialist subcontractor to Laing O’Rourke, StructureCare has successfully completed a contract applying liquid applied deck coatings and wayfinding to the three-storey parking structure which comprises 1,600 parking bays. The car park is part of the 1,700,000 square foot St James Quarter, one of the most significant city centre transformations currently underway in the UK. It is a new quarter for the city, with a stunning new shopping galleria housing 80 new brands and an enticing mix of restaurants and bars already completed, with a luxury W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema and a Roomzzz Aparthotel still underway. A key factor in the award of the contract to StructureCare is the company’s unique position within the sector as both a manufacturer and installer of car park deck coating systems. It has led to StructureCare’s highly skilled operatives installing 48,907m2 of DeckProtect+ deck coatings throughout all levels of the car park, with an additional 2,825m2 of DeckProtect+ being applied at the entrance and exit of the car park. Ryan Williams, Business Development Manager for StructureCare, explained “We undertook additional surface preparation and sacrificial coating works to ensure the concrete decks met with our client’s expectations. This was one of the biggest building projects in Europe and our operatives worked in and around other trades. The works were paused due to Scottish Covid restrictions with the closure of all building sites. We are obviously proud of the work done by our team in helping to makes St James a much-valued addition to a wonderful, vibrant city”. The DeckProtect+ range delivers outstanding aesthetic qualities as well as excellent performance and durability. Armed with the market leading range, StructureCare is able to deliver a high-quality solution to meet any car park challenge. More information on the DeckProtect+ range is detailed in StructureCare’s new technical brochure, “Versatile & Innovative Deck Coating Systems for Car Park Structures” which can be downloaded from the website www.structurecare.com
Regeneration of the former British Celanese site set to create thousands of jobs Initial occupation of the innovative food production hub – SmartParc SEGRO Spondon – early 2022 The final step has been achieved to enable the 1.85m sqft, high-tech food manufacturing and distribution campus on the 112-acre former Celanese site near Spondon to proceed. SmartParc has announced SEGRO as its development partner. SEGRO will work with SmartParc to create a new asset class dedicated to ‘state of the art’ food manufacturing and distribution. SmartParc SEGRO Spondon paves the way for the food industry to collaborate to meet the challenges of sustainable production whilst addressing the need for efficient direct routes to consumers. As development partner, SEGRO will provide a multi-million-pound investment to regenerate the brownfield site.. SmartParc will provide the onsite managed services, supporting the food community to increase production efficiency and drive reduced operational costs through collaborative working. SmartParc’s revolutionary energy sharing infrastructure will utilise wind and solar combined with central services, to deliver the most sustainable food production community in the country. The announcement of the partnership follows Derby City Council granting planning permission in June and the agreement of grant funding contributions from D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and Derby City Council. D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has allocated £12 million towards the project from the Government’s Getting Building Fund – the largest single allocation from D2N2’s £44 million allocation. SmartParc was founded to address the challenges facing the food sector. The 1.85m sqft collaborative hub at Spondon represents a pioneering technical breakthrough. It will provide food manufacturing facilities ranging from start-up incubation units through to large-scale manufacturing facilities ranging from 50,000 – 400,000 sqft. The site will also be home to a Food Manufacturing Technology Centre of Excellence to future-proof the food industry, offering education and career opportunities to secure both the local and global food supply chains. SmartParc will provide a new sustainable blueprint for the food industry. Climate change has highlighted the need for far-reaching industry change and, in response, SmartParc will re-engineer current food manufacturing and distribution processes. It will create a new, forward-thinking ecosystem of food production, looking towards new technologies such as vertical farming to disconnect weather from our ability to produce sustainable food. This mission begins with SmartParc SEGRO Spondon as the flagship site. Building on Spondon’s heritage as a site of cutting-edge engineering, SmartParc will create 5,000 direct jobs and enable a new collaborative, flexible work model to accommodate people’s evolving lifestyles with the ambition of reconnecting the local community to food production. SmartParc SEGRO Spondon will be home to the first low-carbon food manufacturing community. A central distribution hub to consolidate goods in deliveries will streamline the distribution chain, providing a reduction in cost for occupiers whilst improving sustainability by eliminating food miles. From design and material selection to support for eventual occupiers, SmartParc and SEGRO will help to ensure excellent environmental performance and bold efficiency gains at the ground-breaking site. Jackie Wild, SmartParc CEO said: “We are delighted to announce SEGRO as our development partner as we work towards our goal of building the first world-leading, sustainable, high-tech food manufacturing and distribution campus at SmartParc SEGRO Spondon.” “Our partnership with SEGRO and the continued support of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and Derby City Council will enable us to bring jobs to the region and address the increasingly critical challenges facing food manufacturing supply chains.” “We want to thank everyone involved in realising this vision in record time. From the first walk around site in May 2020 to starting on site in September 2021- it shows what can be achieved when everyone pushes in the same direction with a shared agenda.” “The creation of this dedicated asset class is pivotal in achieving a more sustainable future for food production and giving a framework for the food industry to build upon. We want to embrace Derby’s engineering heritage to ensure that SmartParc is the home of the next food revolution. We already have a significant level of interest from manufacturers and retailers both from the UK and overseas and we are starting work immediately so we can welcome our first ‘collaborators’ to SmartParc early next year.” Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO, added: “SmartParc’s bold new concept for food manufacturing and distribution has the potential to be a true game-changer. Over the last 18 months we’ve seen the importance of having robust supply chains closer to home and being able to quickly and efficiently distribute goods. SmartParc enables both of these within the vital food and drink sector and does so while keeping sustainability at its heart. We look forward to working together to make the concept a success.” “By backing innovative projects like this one, we are levelling up areas across the country by building stronger and more resilient local economies, which can support jobs and prosperity in our communities.” Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council commented: “We are delighted with the progress so far in the SmartParc scheme”. “The project is hugely welcome in Derby, fitting perfectly into our aims to boost our economy and job market and to further diversify the city.” “The thousands of new jobs that will be created is a fantastic prospect and we look forward to seeing the partnership between SmartParc and SEGRO develop to achieve this.” Chris Radlett, Vice President of Manufacturing for Celanese also said: “Celanese is pleased to have worked closely with local and regional authorities and the developers, to provide our site to help create jobs and enable more sustainable food production. This is a fitting next step for the site and we look forward to welcoming our new neighbours.” With further comment from D2N2 LEP Chair, Elizabeth Fagan CBE: “Food and drink manufacturing is a key investment priority for our region. The LEP’s £12 million investment will support the creation of a world-leading sustainable food-manufacturing facility that will deliver pioneering innovation, create thousands of jobs and transform the local economy.”
Network Space has revealed its plans for the redevelopment of the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Re-branded as Broadheath Networkcentre, the proposals include a mixture of high quality refurbishment alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site which will appeal to a variety of businesses. The development will deliver 196,000 sq ft of accommodation across eight buildings, with workspace available from 2,100 sq ft to 28,000 sq ft. A sustainable development, Network Space will seek to reuse and recycle existing structures and is proposing the use of photovoltaic panels for renewable energy provision, as well as electric vehicle charging on all units. Simon Eaton, senior development manager at Network Space, explains: “Given its location within South Manchester and proximity to Manchester Airport, the M60/M56 and city centre, Broadheath Networkcentre will appeal to a wide range of occupiers, from local businesses and trade occupiers, to last mile and urban logistics firms. “The development has also been designed with sustainability at the top of the agenda and, by recycling existing steel frames and concrete structures, we are able to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the scheme. This, in addition to the renewable energy generation and re-use on site, means that Broadheath Networkcentre will score very highly in its green credentials.” A planning application has been submitted and Network Space hopes to start on site early next year, with some of the high quality refurbished units being ready for occupation in summer 2022 and new builds by the end of the year. The development will revitalise the site, creating new jobs and providing much needed speculative workspace in the region. Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre. The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying, AEW architects, Tetra Tech engineering services and Spawforths is the planning advisor.
The North-West office of family run business, Caddick Construction, has been appointed by Redsun to deliver AVIATOR Phase II, which comprises two new build warehouses with integral mezzanine offices. Caddick Construction successfully completed phase one in February last year, delivering a 125,000 sq ft warehouse which was let to Survitec Group on a 20-year lease just after reaching practical completion. It was subsequently acquired by Arrow Capital Partners, who will be funding Phase II of the Development as part of its €3bn Strategic Industrial Real Estate (SIRE) joint venture with Cerberus. This latest phase responds to the significant rise in demand for quality industrial accommodation and will see two warehouses of 200,000 sq ft and 80,000 sq ft delivered, alongside service yard, parking and landscaping, on a 15-acre plot. The Caddick Construction team will start on site next month, with completion expected in summer 2022. The client, Redsun, is behind the AVIATOR project, which will ultimately provide up to 450,000 sq ft of industrial space. The popular site is already home to DHL, Jaguar Land Rover and Vauxhall Motors assembly plant. Nick Wightman, director at Redsun, said: “We worked collaboratively with the Cheshire and Warrington LEP on the first phase and it was a huge success. This second phase will help plug the chronic gap in high quality stock in the region. This thriving location, close to the motorway network, will appeal to both occupiers and investors.” Ian Guildford, contracts manager at Caddick Construction, said: “The first phase of development was a huge success and the team is delighted to be working with Redsun again. It is testament to our vast experience in delivering high quality industrial premises and we looking forward to starting the two warehouses next month.” Located off North Road, the 22-acre site forms part of the Cheshire Science Corridor and benefits from the enhanced capital allowances towards fit out costs offered by its Enterprise Zone status. Just five miles from Junction 12 of the M56, 24 miles from the M6, AVIATOR is also within easy reach of Liverpool Superport and Manchester Airport. The project team includes Fletcher Rae Architects, Muir Associates and Crookes Walker Consulting. B8 Real Estate and M1 Agency are joint letting agents. The Caddick North West team employs more than 70 staff and operates from offices in Warrington and Cumbria. The team has successfully delivered a range of projects including the £154m Angel Gardens’ Scheme in Manchester, a flagship car showroom at TraffordCity, Liverpool Shopping Park and a range of industrial developments including Mere Grange and Central 23 in Merseyside on behalf of Network Space.
c.£1 billion investment will deliver a c.8 million sq ft new logistics hub with new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange in prime midlands logistics corridor Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a leading global real estate investor, asset manager and business builder, and Logistics Capital Partners (“LCP”), a best in class developer and asset manager of logistics real estate across Europe, have formed a new co investment joint venture, to acquire a 734-acre site near Birmingham, which they will develop into a major new logistics hub with associated rail freight terminal known as West Midlands Interchange. Oxford and LCP will jointly invest c. £1 billion to bring forward the project over a number of years, with Oxford providing the majority of the capital and working alongside LCP’s highly experienced and professional team as development manager. West Midlands Interchange will be a technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable development which meets modern occupiers’ efficient operational and environmental requirements. Planning consent has already been secured by the vendors, which allows for the delivery of around 8 million sq ft of prime logistics space and provides flexibility around the project timeline and scale of units. Infrastructure works are expected to commence in the first half of next year with the first buildings starting on site in 2022 ready for occupation in 2023. The site can accommodate new warehouses ranging in size from 200,000 square feet to over 1 million square feet, with building heights up to 30 meters. This scale and flexibility will create space for some of the most efficient operations in the country, maximising cubic storage capacity and the possibility for occupiers to deploy the latest technology. West Midlands Interchange is centrally located in the UK, northwest of Birmingham in the key West Midlands logistics corridor and will deliver significant economic benefit to the region through the creation of 8,500 jobs and a further 8,100 indirect jobs. It is also expected to generate around £430 million of local economic activity each year, and, through the supply chain, create over £900 million of economic activity each year nationally. It benefits from excellent transport connectivity to the UK’s major cities, ports and airports, with immediate access to the M6 motorway allowing 88% of the population to be reached within a four-hour drive, well inside the HGV single trip limit. As part of wider infrastructure improvements, Oxford and LCP will build a new link road to connect the A5 and A449, enhancing the resilience of the local road network to improve access to the site and achieve additional public benefit. In addition, the project will create a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, which will provide intermodal access for occupiers. This gives the site a significant competitive advantage, with rail transport a cheaper and more environmentally sustainable option while also reducing congestion on the roads. The West Coast Main Line is already one of the most important freight routes in the UK, used by 90% of all intermodal trains, and its capacity likely to be transformed by High Speed 2, the next phase of the UK’s high speed rail network linking London with the North, currently due to open between London and Birmingham in 2026. Sustainability sits at the heart of the site’s masterplan, which includes the creation and maintenance of two new country parks of a combined 109 acres that will achieve a net biodiversity gain across the development, 36% of which will comprise green infrastructure. Warehouse roofs will be built to accommodate installation of photovoltaic panels, enabling the generation of renewable energy. In 2020, Oxford announced its intention to deploy £3 billion of capital in the European logistics sector over the next five years in platforms, developments and portfolios of scale. The company made its first direct European investment in 2020, with the acquisition of a 15-acre site in Heathrow alongside LCP. James Boadle, Head of Logistics and Residential, Europe at Oxford Properties, commented, “In recent years we have significantly increased our exposure to the logistics sector globally through several major transactions, including making our first direct investment into European logistics last year with LCP. Logistics remains one of our highest conviction calls globally, benefitting from substantial undersupply of prime new space while the growth of e-commerce and demand for expedited supply chains continues unabated, accelerated by the effects of Covid-19.” “The transaction represents a rare opportunity to gain significant exposure at attractive risk-adjusted returns in an increasingly competitive landscape. We are pleased to be again working alongside LCP’s highly experienced and professional team as we deliver a best-in-class logistics park with occupier demand, technological advancements and environmental, social and governance principles at its core.” Pierre Leocadio, Head of Investment, Europe at Oxford Properties, added, “This transaction presents an exciting opportunity to develop a market leading, prime logistics hub, alongside our trusted partner, LCP. Oxford is renowned for its ability to deliver major large-scale projects, and this aligns with our strategy to deploy capital at scale into the logistics sector. The inclusion of a new rail terminal in the masterplan allows us to create a site that has strong appeal to potential occupiers, while also helping reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain by reducing lorry traffic. The project will also create economic impact to the region through the creation of a significant number of local jobs.” John Pagdin, Head of UK Logistics Capital Partners, commented, “We have been tracking this particular site for some time and are delighted to have secured the park alongside Oxford Properties. West Midlands Interchange is a fantastic opportunity to build out a uniquely positioned development scheme, allowing us to offer occupiers every possible size, scale, configuration and specification of unit with none of the usual planning delays or uncertainties often associated with schemes of this nature. We look forward to progressing first stage preparatory works and welcoming occupiers to this exciting project.” The site was acquired from the shareholders of Four Ashes Ltd, a three way partnership including Kilbride Holdings and Grosvenor Group’s Indirect Investment business (Grosvenor). Peter Frost, Director of
The development worth close to EUR 50 million is the first phase of one of the largest megaparks in the country and can be handed over in Q1 2022 The first column has been placed of the first 45,000 sq m warehouse in Fót, which is an important milestone in launching one of Hungary’s largest industrial and logistic developments by HelloParks, member of Futureal Group, after the first tenants started to move into another megapark of the company in Maglód. For this energy efficient, BREEAM sustainability standard compliant facility that is developed as a part of a greenfield investment close to the Hungarian capital, the composition of the tenants is already outlined: negotiations are at an advanced stage, mainly with e-commerce, parcel logistics and courier businesses, as well as logistics companies serving a single manufacturing company. Located in the vicinity of Budapest, next to the junction of M0 ringroad and M3 motorway, the work has begun on the 76-ha site in Fót to build one of the largest industrial and logistics centers in the country. In the first phase, HelloParks, member of Europe’s leading real estate development and investment group Futureal, will build a 45,000 sq m warehouse with an investment value of close to EUR 50 million. The first phase is expected to be handed over in Q1 2022 by constructor company Goldbeck Hungaria. With the 76-ha plot, where a total of 330,000 sq m of warehouse and industrial space can be developed, HelloParks Fót is targeting logistics service providers, light industry manufacturers, assembly companies as well as tenants with special requirements. Due to the immediacy of Budapest, the park is also ideal for service providers performing urban distribution, but the industrial and logistics property developer also offers commercial industrial lands for sale with utilities and road connections, available from 1 ha. HelloParks is already conducting advanced negotiations with several companies, mainly with e-commerce, parcel logistics and courier companies, as well as logistics companies serving a single manufacturing company for the first phase of HelloParks Fót, while a webshop company has already signed the rental contract. HelloParks has recently announced another two large developments close to the capital of Hungary, a 100-ha industrial and logistics centre in Páty and a similar development on a 46-ha plot in Maglód where the first big tenant has already moved in. All of the three highly competitive, efficient and sustainable megapark developments that have been launched in just over a year by HelloParks have been driven by the company’s aim to become a key player of the industry, as a first step in Hungary, later on in the whole CEE market, and contribute to the improvement of Hungary’s position in the international logistics market. „In order to improve Hungary’s competitiveness, the construction industry must also change. Logistics companies typically like to move into facilities within a year, which is cannot be properly implemented in such a short time unless the area has already been set. This trend is again something that HelloParks developments can respond to. Keeping the deadline, we recently handed over a 46,000 sq m warehouse building as the first phase of the Maglod industrial and logistics megapark, where the first tenant has already moved in just five months after construction started. We are experiencing strong interest from prospective tenants, we are in advanced negotiations for all our free space, and in Maglód, our next tenant will move in soon. Parallel with the lease, we have already started planning and permitting the next phases so that we can serve existing and future needs as quickly as possible,” said Rudolf Nemes, CEO of HelloParks. “The primary need of logistics operators to meet a sufficiently fast and secure execution lead time can only be met by a well thought-out and clear concept. We would like to support HelloParks in realising this business model, using our entire Central European human and equipment infrastructure,” – said Pavol Čarný, Managing Director of Goldbeck Hungaria. HelloParks can build on Futureal Group’s decade-long property development and investment experience. Futureal is one of the leading real estate developers and investors in Central and Eastern Europe and is among the top 10 largest real estate developers in Europe. Since its foundation Futureal Group’s portfolio has included more than 180 real estate projects with a total value of over EUR 5 billion and an area of 3 million square meters. Goldbeck Hungaria in its role as general contractor, has been implementing industrial real estate projects on the Hungarian market for almost a decade, relying on the five decades of experience of its parent company, Goldbeck GmbH, and its design, production and financial infrastructure. The Goldbeck Group, under the umbrella of the Bratislava-based organisation, has completed more than 2 million m2 of gross floor area of industrial real estate in the region over the past decade and a half.
Tritax Symmetry has marked the start of work on site to develop 190,000 sq ft logistics / warehouse accommodation with an official ground-breaking ceremony at MA6NITUDE in Middlewich, Cheshire. Main contractor GMI Construction has commenced the construction of units 11 and 12, which will offer 149,000 sq ft and 41,000 sq ft respectively. The units will be built to net zero carbon in construction; will include 15% PV roof coverage as standard and the capacity to accommodate 100% PV roof coverage. Speaking about the start on site at MA6NITUDE, Development Director David Nuttall, commented: “We are excited to see spades go in the ground here at MA6NITUDE and bring forward high quality facilities at a time when demand for space is at record levels. There is a huge amount of activity happening across the site, with Swizzels’ facility also due to complete next year and detailed planning submitted for 238,000 sq ft of space at unit 41 which could also be delivered before the end of 2022.” Jonathan Atherton, Director at Savills, joint letting agents for the scheme with B8RE and Legat Owen, continued: “The development at Ma6nitude will provide much needed floor space to a market when supply is falling at its fastest ever rate. The location and quality of the units are expected to attract strong occupier interest.” Marc Banks, Divisional Managing Director at GMI Construction said: “We are delighted to be working with Tritax Symmetry to deliver the new facilities in Middlewich. Our team has made an excellent start and the site is already taking shape to what will eventually be a first-class sustainable building that will be a huge business asset to the area.”
All systems go for new 245,000 sq ft logistics facility in Bellshill Knight Property Group has just secured full planning consent from North Lanarkshire Council to develop a brand new £50 million logistics park at Bellshill Industrial Estate, on the site of the former Devro manufacturing facility. The application was approved at last week’s full committee meeting. The 14-acre site will be transformed into Belgrave Logistics Park, a brand new speculative 245,000 sq ft logistics facility, with five high-quality units of 28,940 sq ft, 18,940 sq ft, 33,945 sq ft, 47,940 sq ft and 125,665 sq ft respectively. Each unit will have an EPC rating of A and further green credentials include electric car charging points, solar photovoltaics panels to the roof, all electric heat recovery / air conditioning to offices and water management flow restriction to conserve water. The site was acquired by Knight at the end of January this year, with the planning application submitted in May. James Barrack, Founder and Chairman of Knight Property Group said: “Achieving full planning consent is a significant milestone for this high-quality and well-located development. “Interest from potential occupiers has already been strong and confirms our confidence to develop speculatively in this sector and location. When complete, it will provide much-needed logistics space and has the potential to bring new business and employment opportunities to the area. “The demolition and site clearance works are now complete and we are currently in the midst of detailed discussions with several parties to select a main contractor for the development, which we hope to conclude shortly.” Marc Giles, Planning Partner at Ryden, who advised Knight, added: “The planning process was a real team effort and permission was granted well within the statutory four months determination period. We were delighted by the cooperative and positive approach from the planning officers at North Lanarkshire Council on this application. This development will bring significant economic benefit to the local area.” Belgrave Logistics Park will be situated within the popular Bellshill Industrial Estate with excellent transport links and quick access to the A725 dual carriageway which provides direct access to the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh and also the M74 which is Scotland’s main road link south. Glasgow international airport is only 25 minutes drive west via the M8 motorway and Edinburgh International airport is only 40 minutes drive east. Ryden is the letting agent for Knight Property Group at Belgrave Logistics Park. Further information on can be found at: https://knightpropertygroup.co.uk/development/belgrave-logistics-park/
IKEA is officially moving to Dartford after it was revealed they are behind a deal to secure a 450,000 sq ft ‘powerhouse’, but the unit will sadly not be a customer-facing store. The Swedish giants have confirmed they have signed a 15-year lease with developers on a pre-let agreement for the massive warehouse, located at the former Littlebrook Power Station site on the south bank of the River Thames. They will be joining Amazon at the site after they recently moved into a 2.3 million sq ft ‘Mega Box’ distribution centre right next door, with the entire park undergoing fierce redevelopment to become a “critical last journey location inside the M25.” However, IKEA will not be opening a new store for customers as part of the plans, instead developing a massive new distribution centre which will “meet our customers wherever and whenever they need us.” The distribution centre in Dartford is set to serve IKEA’s stores across the UK and south east – including Greenwich, Croydon and Lakeside. A spokesperson for IKEA said they were “delighted to confirm” they would be moving into a unit at The Power House project in Dartford. “This exciting investment forms part of our ongoing transformation to become even more affordable, accessible and sustainable, accelerating our omnichannel approach to meet our customers wherever and whenever they need us, irrespective of where they live or whether they visit us in-store or online.” The ‘450@thepowerhouse’ unit is currently under construction, and it is not yet know when the site will be opening or how many jobs will be created. Adjacent to the IKEA site, Amazon have just moved into their own distribution centre at the old Littlebrook power station site, a vast £200 million build on a 45-acre plot of land. The move is part of an expansion for the retail titans, with around 1,3000 new jobs created locally in a welcome boost for the area. Workers are even being offered a £1,000 starting bonus amid worker struggles. With IKEA and Amazon m the former Littlebrook power station next to the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing, The impressive unit in Dartford has been pre-let to IKEA by Bericote and Titrax Big Box who are leading the major regeneration of the area located adjacent to the QE2 Bridge and Dartford Tunnel on the south bank of the Thames. Titrax Big Box say the location will mean it’s project, a “rare asset so close to the heart of London,” will benefit from “exceptional transport connectivity via motorway, rail and water, excellent infrastructure, significant power provision and a robust labour market.” Jonathan Maher, development director at Bericote, said: “This letting underpins Bericote’s ongoing commitment to creating highly specified, modern and adaptable industrial and logistics solutions in strategic locations across the UK. “The pre-letting during construction of this speculative development underlines the strength of the market and the very attractive attributes of the site and we look forward to repeating the same success for the next phase of the development.” Charlie Withers, director of development for Tritax Management, added: “Securing a 15-year letting at thepowerhouse to another high quality occupier, further validates our strategic focus on development. “The new tenant, will join Amazon at what is becoming the preeminent logistics location in the UK’s South East.” Plans were submitted in June for the third phase of the project, and developers of the park also say they have allocated 30% of the overall Littlebrook site for permanent open space and habitat creation for wildlife. IKEA added: “As we continue to step up our sustainability commitments, guided by our established strategy to become People & Planet Positive by 2030, we were also attracted by the site’s significant biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation plans, which have informed the UK Green Building Council’s Nature Based Solutions best practice guidance for the industry.”