Commercial : Industrial News

SGP completes first phase at Aberdeen’s new urban logistics park

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is delighted to announce the completion of the comprehensive refurbishment of a 74,600 sqft building to Grade A standard logistics, storage and distribution warehouses at Aberdeen One, a new urban logistics park in the Altens Industrial Estate on the south side of Aberdeen. Working closely

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Graftongate to build new £30m helicopter logistics hub in Yeovil

Leading real estate developer, Graftongate, has committed to delivering a new £30 million advanced helicopter logistics hub on behalf of Italian aerospace giant, Leonardo. The 210,000 sq ft project in Yeovil, Somerset, will see the consolidation of eight existing warehouses into one all-encompassing logistics hub. The single-site logistics facility will

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Panattoni Boosts Speculative Building with Yorkshire Scheme

Panattoni Boosts Speculative Building with Yorkshire Scheme

Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has announced it was working up plans to develop its biggest-ever speculative logistics building in the UK, a 630,000 sq ft facility in Yorkshire.  The 630,000 sq ft facility will be built along with a smaller 85,000 sq ft facility by

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Purfleet 338 contract secured for Matrix

Matrix Networks has been appointed by Goodman to design and install multi-utility connections for the new Purfleet 338 logistics development at Purfleet Commercial Park in Thurrock. The Independent Connections Provider has been commissioned by its long-standing client following a competitive tender process to supply electricity, gas and water connections for

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GLP Upsizes European Development Fund, Targeting €4 Billion in AUM

The upsize will fund strategic expansion and transform the fund into a diversified Pan-European vehicle GLP announced today a strategic expansion in size and scope of GLP Continental Europe Development Partners I (“GLP CDP I”). GLP and its partners Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”) through its wholly owned

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Latest Issue
Issue 336 : Jan 2026

Commercial : Industrial News

SGP completes first phase at Aberdeen’s new urban logistics park

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is delighted to announce the completion of the comprehensive refurbishment of a 74,600 sqft building to Grade A standard logistics, storage and distribution warehouses at Aberdeen One, a new urban logistics park in the Altens Industrial Estate on the south side of Aberdeen. Working closely with client Titan Investors, SGP reconfigured the existing building into two units of 28,000 sqft and 40,000 sqft (plus office provision), with the former being a shell only refurbishment and the latter pre-let to FedEx. Explains Marcus Madden-Smith, Partner at SGP: “Aberdeen One is a new area for logistics at the popular Altens Industrial Estate, historically well established in the oil and gas industry but equally able to diversify to meet the growing demand for logistics and distribution hubs in the area. We took the decision to reuse, repurpose and refurbish the existing structure as a sustainable alternative to demolishing it. We developed the size and layout of the units and surrounding service yard to meet the needs of the local market and our client has already disclosed the likelihood of future phases on site.” In addition to new internal walls to create the subdivision, the external envelop has been reclad with a neutral palette of grey and white cladding, creating a contemporary modern look. Additional level access doors have been added to both units. Unit 1 includes a new external office area, plus eight dock levellers, three of which are to accommodate the double deck trailers of European lorries. Concludes Marcus: “These new units at Aberdeen One are the latest in SGP’s continuing development of Scottish projects. Our knowledge of the technical aspects of the Scottish planning system and the positive working relationship with the Aberdeen City Council planners and warrant office made the process efficient and we look forward to working with them on future phases of the site.”

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MULTIMILLION-POUND SPECULATIVE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN SHEFFIELD SECURES FIRST OCCUPIER

On behalf of Network Space, Yorkshire company, Harris CM is on site delivering 116,600 sq ft of prime industrial space across four high specification units at Woodhouse Link, close to junction 31 of the M1 in Sheffield. Ready for occupation in early 2022, Woodhouse Link will be capable of fostering approximately 200 new jobs. Network Space has secured its first letting at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link development, with BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains Ltd is taking the 31,200 sq ft Unit 3 on a 15-year lease. A second unit is also under offer Jason Adlam, CEO at Harris CM, said: “This project is an impressive industrial development and we look forward to working with Network Space on our first contract together. “The scheme demonstrates the importance of Sheffield’s industrial and manufacturing sectors and provides further opportunities for our workforce and supply chain, with a significant proportion being South Yorkshire based.” Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, explains: “Woodhouse Link is designed to meet the shortage of quality industrial space within the Sheffield City Region, where it is evident that new supply is struggling to keep pace with strong demand. “We’ve already had a lot of interest in the development and we are delighted to welcome BLE as our first occupier. Woodhouse Link offers a great central location and with a further unit under offer and strong enquiry levels in the remaining space we could be fully let before this speculative development completes.” Woodhouse Link lies close to junctions 31 and 33 of the M1, to the east of Sheffield and on the south side of Rotherham, within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District and close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley. The development has planning permission for 24/7 operation and is suitable for manufacturing or distribution uses. The detached and self-contained units all provide secure storage yards and parking, 8 to 10 metre high eaves, integral offices and are designed to a high sustainability standard, including EV charging points, and to a BREEAM Very Good rating. BLE has taken unit 3. Part of the family owned Lowe & Fletcher Group, the company has designed, made, installed and maintained innovative, bespoke smoke and fire curtains for buildings around the globe for the last 40 years, providing life-saving protection for millions of people in commercial buildings, stations, airports and hospitals. The expansion to Woodhouse Link reflects the continued growth of the company. Nigel Ward, Managing Director from BLE said: “This purpose build facility in such a great location will offer the company an exceptional base for our fast growing business. “The integral office will be to headquarter standard, in keeping with our brand and helping us to add the best talent to our team. The flexible design and high sustainability standards are ideal for our needs.” With unit 3 now let and a further unit under offer, only units 1 and 2 remain available providing 48,900 sq ft and 13,200 sq ft respectively. Avison Young and CPP have been appointed to market the site. Toby Vernon, Director at CCP introduced the deal. He said: “Demand for quality units such as those at Woodhouse Link is going from strength to strength. We saw a record take up in 2020 and high demand for space has continued in 2021. Occupiers want modern, efficient buildings that will stand the test of time, which is one of the reasons demand is so high, evidenced by the letting to BLE.” Rob Oliver, principal from Avison Young said: “We have always known this development will be well received by the occupational market, so we were delighted, but not surprised, to have two units under offer before speculative construction began. “Well designed and highly specified they suit the demands and expectations of today’s occupiers who want accessible and cost effective premises which facilitate efficient operations, present the right impression to clients and the workforce and meet their environmental agenda.” The project team includes DLA Architecture, Spawforths planners, Tetra Tech and CJR Midlands M&E engineers, Walker Sime QS and project management and Gateley legal.

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Prologis expands Birmingham logistics park to meet growing demand for urban logistics facilities

Prologis, the UK’s leading developer of industrial logistics parks, today announced plans to expand Prologis Park Midpoint, Birmingham, to provide more urban logistics facilities for customers in the Midlands. The company, which is headquartered in Solihull, recently acquired around nine acres of land adjacent to Prologis Park Midpoint and plans to develop a new warehouse facility of up to, 165,000 sq. ft on the site of the former fulfillment centre. The acquisition was facilitated by Coltham Developments who worked with Prologis to secure the land.  Speaking about the expansion, Ian Romano, from the Capital Deployment & Leasing Team at Prologis UK, said: “This acquisition presents a rare opportunity to acquire a prime site in a well-established and highly sought-after logistics location in Birmingham. We’re very pleased to have worked closely with Coltham to secure this and look forward to delivering a further phase and expanding Prologis Park Midpoint, which already holds over 1.4m sq ft in five fully-leased buildings. “The Birmingham conurbation, is the second most populated region in the UK (behind London) and has a dwindling supply of land for industrial use, largely due to a loss of space to residential development and the constraints of the greenbelt.  As a result, we could soon be facing the same problem as the capital, where there is limited space available for warehouses and distribution centres close to the businesses and homes that rely on their services. “Situated close to the M6, M6 toll and M42 motorways, and benefiting from excellent transport links for rail and air freight too, the planned new building at Prologis Park Midpoint will enable us to meet growing demand for urban logistics facilities within the UK’s logistics Golden Triangle.” Stuart Franks, Development Director at Coltham Developments Ltd, said: “Great to have completed the acquisition of this prime site for Prologis. It was a pleasure to work with Ian and his team, together with Simon Norton at Colliers CRE, who acted for the vendor, Asda. I wish Prologis every success with their proposals for the site moving forward to provide much needed logistics space within Birmingham.” Prologis Park Midpoint is one of 22 industrial parks owned and run by Prologis across the UK. Find more information about Prologis Park Midpoint here.

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Knight Property Group submits plans for £50 million Belgrave Logistics Park

Prime Bellshill site set to be transformed into 245,000 sq ft state-of-the-art logistics facility Knight Property Group has submitted a full planning application to South Lanarkshire Council to develop a brand new £ 50 million logistics park in Bellshill, south east of Glasgow city centre. The development, which will be branded as Belgrave Logistics Park will be located on the site of the former Devro manufacturing facility, which was acquired by Knight in February this year and is currently undergoing demolition and site clearance works. Knight’s submission for the 14-acre site, which will be developed on a speculative basis, includes plans for five high-quality logistics units of 28,940 sq ft, 18,940 sq ft, 33,945 sq ft, 47,940 sq ft and 125,665 sq ft. If approved, the development has the potential to attract new businesses and bring employment opportunities to the area. Each unit will have a target EPC rating of A. 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. Howard Crawshaw, managing director of Knight Property Group said: “We are hugely excited to have submitted our proposals for this significant development. It is fantastic to see the redevelopment of the site moving swiftly and gaining momentum and the lodging of the application after the consultation period takes us another step along the path. “We firmly believe the delivery of high quality logistics warehousing to the Scottish market will be well received and even more so given the location and multi access points to the motorway and road network that are accessible within minutes. Construction work should start later this year and the first units will be available in the second quarter of 2022.” Alan Gilkison, partner at Ryden added: “Knight has a strong track record of developing and delivering versatile and well-designed industrial and logistics units. Given the prime location and excellent connectivity, we anticipate positive demand from discerning logistics businesses. Belgrave Logistics Park is certain to be well-received.” 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 agent for Knight Property Group at Belgrave Logistics Park. Further information on can be found at: https://knightpropertygroup.co.uk/developments/belgrave-logistics-park/

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Graftongate to build new £30m helicopter logistics hub in Yeovil

Leading real estate developer, Graftongate, has committed to delivering a new £30 million advanced helicopter logistics hub on behalf of Italian aerospace giant, Leonardo. The 210,000 sq ft project in Yeovil, Somerset, will see the consolidation of eight existing warehouses into one all-encompassing logistics hub. The single-site logistics facility will help support Leonardo Helicopters’ global fleet through the warehousing of components and tooling in a state-of-the-art development, which has sustainability at its core.   Its features include rainwater harvesting tanks for brown water services, full LED lighting throughout the facility and a heat recovery system in the main warehouse, which will be complemented by a modern office temperature control system. In addition, there will be a bank of electrical vehicle charging points. Graftongate will deliver the new development on a 35-year lease in partnership with a CBRE Investment Advisory retained pension fund. Leonardo’s logistics partner, Kuehne+Nagel, will operate the new facility under a ten-year logistics contract. Construction of the development will commence in August and is scheduled for practical completion in Q4 2022.   Jamie Hockaday, Director at Graftongate, said: “We are very pleased to have collaborated with Leonardo Helicopters and Kuehne+Nagel to aid the delivery of the UK’s only onshore helicopter manufacturer.”

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Panattoni Boosts Speculative Building with Yorkshire Scheme

Panattoni Boosts Speculative Building with Yorkshire Scheme

Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has announced it was working up plans to develop its biggest-ever speculative logistics building in the UK, a 630,000 sq ft facility in Yorkshire.  The 630,000 sq ft facility will be built along with a smaller 85,000 sq ft facility by junction 1 of the M18 at Rotherham on a 40-acre site, which Panattoni has recently acquired from Stretton Denman. Panattoni is aiming to submit a reserved matters planning application in the next few weeks, with a view to beginning construction in the first quarter of 2022. The 715,000 sq ft development, called Interchange Park, is part of Panattoni’s commitment to a significant speculative development programme in the UK in 2021 in response to strong demand from occupiers for immediately available space. The acquisition of Interchange Park increases the size of Panattoni’s current speculative building development programme to around 4.2 million sq ft across eight locations across the North and Midlands, the largest of which are at South Normanton, Derby, Northampton and Crewe.  “Our continued appetite for speculative development reflects the strength of demand from occupiers for immediately available space. In the first quarter of this year half of all take-up in the logistics sector was of speculative developments, driven by demand from e-commerce companies. And in the last 12 months alone, we have let more than 6 million sq ft of space,” said Dan Burn, Development Director for the North West and Yorkshire at Panattoni. “Having let our speculative Wakefield 515 development in May, we are delighted to have acquired this strategic site and look forward to bringing this nationally significant scheme forward over the coming months.” Interchange Park is located in an established distribution location, immediately adjacent to junction 1 of the M18 and just two miles from junction 32 of the M1. Local occupiers include Great Bear, Clipper Logistics, DX and FedEx.  Letting agents at Interchange Park are M1 Agency, Legat Owen and Knight Frank.

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Purfleet 338 contract secured for Matrix

Matrix Networks has been appointed by Goodman to design and install multi-utility connections for the new Purfleet 338 logistics development at Purfleet Commercial Park in Thurrock. The Independent Connections Provider has been commissioned by its long-standing client following a competitive tender process to supply electricity, gas and water connections for the eight-hectare site located within half a mile of junction 30/31 of the M25. Matrix Networks will be installing a 11kV, 4MVA metered electricity supply, medium pressure gas main and a 1l/s water supply for the new commercial park, which will comprise 338,267 sq ft of strategically-located logistics space. The highly sustainable development will be delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and will include roof-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal hot water, rainwater harvesting, infrastructure for electric vehicle fleets and smart metering, helping customers to achieve energy and cost savings. Rob Sparkes, Matrix Networks Group CEO, said: “We’ve worked with Goodman since we were first established in 2007. We value our long-standing relationship with them and continue to work hard to deliver on our promises, working closely with their consultant team. “Purfleet 338 is a fantastic win for us, and we’re pleased to be associated with a development which so clearly has sustainability at its heart. While we’re responsible for installing the multi-utility infrastructure required to bring this development to life, we’ll be doing so in the knowledge that on-site energy consumption will be considered by all users.” George Glennie, Development Director Goodman UK, added: “Purfleet 338 represents our commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure for a growing industrial and logistics market. “Designed for those operating across e-commerce, retail and third-party logistics, where connectivity is crucial in distributing products to increasingly time sensitive consumers, it will provide high-quality and well-located space to serve customers across London and the South East.” Matrix Networks is due to start utility-infrastructure works on site in the Summer, working to achieve energisation by Spring 2022. www.matrixnetworks.co.uk @matrix_networks

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PLANNING SECURED FOR PHASE TWO OF TUNSTALL ARROW DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH WEST

Scheme will deliver further 109,250 sq. ft industrial space on popular development along with 200 jobs Network Space has secured unanimous planning approval for the second phase of its Tunstall Arrow development, providing an additional 109,250 sq. ft of industrial workspace on the 7.3-acre plot, and bringing an additional 200 jobs to the region. Tunstall Arrow is a 28-acre former colliery site adjoining the A527 (James Brindley Way) in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, which was acquired by Network Space in 2013. The site is within close proximity of the A500, with access to Junction 16 of the M6 within minutes.  This second phase will provide five detached, self-contained, units ranging from 13,000 up to 30,000 sq. ft. and bring the brownfield land back into long term employment use. The site transformation will include significant remediation work needed to address historic coal workings and disused mine shafts. Works should begin in Q3 this year. The development will deliver high-specification business premises for industrial or distribution uses, building on the success of Phase One which opened early in 2019 and is fully let. These five units are already supporting hundreds of jobs within the 130,000 sq. ft development; home to international businesses including: Dutch tool and equipment hire company Boels Rental, German global delivery service DHL Express, Australian fleet management company SG Fleet Group, Italian generator & equipment hire specialist Pramac-Generac and German balustrade manufacturer Q-railing. Tunstall Arrow is being developed in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as part of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone covering 3.3 million sq. ft of commercial space across six key sites along the A500 corridor. Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning for Phase Two of the Tunstall Arrow Enterprise Zone site. Our principal objective is to build on the success of Phase One that has enjoyed full occupancy since it opened. Demand for high quality, modern, employment space across the region certainly shows no sign of abating in the short to medium term. He added: “Stoke-on-Trent City Council continues to be forward-thinking, recognising the potential of Tunstall Arrow to attract further inward investment and provide job opportunities for the city. This will help to secure the region’s reputation as one of the most sought-after areas for the industrial and logistic sectors and help address the acute shortage of employment space.” Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Working with a number of partners, we have created one of the most successful enterprise zones in the country, generating hundreds of jobs and improving the local economy by £18.55m in gross value added. “Development and business has continued at pace through the pandemic and today’s news for Phase Two of the Tunstall Arrow Enterprise Zone site further re-enforces that Stoke-on-Trent really is on the up. We continue to work to support businesses in the area and show them that this city is the place to base your business. It also very much fits with our ambitions through the Stoke-on-Trent prospectus which talks about one plan and one conversation to bring forward investment in key sectors. “I look forward to seeing this next phase come forward and I believe it will be as successful as phase one, not only for the benefits it brings to the local community but for the jobs it directly creates in the area.” Network Space has been providing industrial workspace and warehousing for almost 40 years and intends to deliver 2.5 million sq. ft of industrial property over the next five years. The agents are Mounsey Chartered Surveyors, based in Stoke-on-Trent.

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GLP and Solidor announce 136,000 SQ FT manufacturing and distribution centre at G-Park Stoke

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks has today announced that it is to develop a 136,000 SQ FT manufacturing facility and distribution centre for leading UK composite door manufacturer Solidor on the final plot at its G-Park Stoke development in Stoke-on-Trent. Solidor, part of the Masonite group, have signed have signed a 15-year lease on the development which is expected to be available for occupation by the start of Q4 2021. The development is expected to create additional jobs from within the local community. Built to Solidor’s detailed specifications, the new factory will combine Solidor’s current production and storage facilities into a single world-class manufacturing hub plant. It features a best-in-class specification that includes 15 metres clear internal height, four dock doors and six level access doors. Adrienne Howells, Development Director, GLP, said: “We are very happy to welcome Solidor into our expanding customer community and onto the final plot at our successful G-Park Stoke development.  Solidor is a leader in the UK composite door market and a company with firm roots in Stoke so we are pleased to be working in close partnership and to support the growth needs of such a successful homegrown brand. “Together, we are targeting Planet Mark certification for the new site, a mark of integrity when it comes to sustainability. The ambition is for the building to achieve up to 15% lower carbon emissions compared with the average UK factory.” Neil Bancroft, operations director and site lead, Solidor, said: “This move will allow us to scale up our production and improve lead-times for our customers. By combining five facilities under one roof we will be able to remove legacy parts of production that don’t add value and bring in new automated processes that are simply not achievable at our current locations. “It has given the operations team the opportunity to create a world class facility that will work both now and as we continue to grow in the future.” “The existing workforce was a key consideration when choosing the new facility. The success of the business has been built on the loyal and flexible team we have in place, and over the coming months everyone will play a key part in the transfer and design of our new production operation,” explained Neil.  “Over 85% of our staff live within the local community and it was critical that the location of our new home reflected the importance of this to us as a business. It is also expected that a number of new roles will be created both in the short and long-term future.” Jason Hughes, Masonite’s UK facilities manager, added: “As a manufacturer, we know we can have a huge impact when it comes to sustainability.  This project represents an important step as we make our UK production processes and buildings more efficient.” The company will use the final few months of 2021 to install new equipment and improve IT processes before commencing a phased transfer of all its employees in January 2022. Also commenting, Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “This is fantastic news – our small but mighty city continues to go from strength-to-strength and to bounce back more swiftly than other major cities. It’s fantastic to see Stoke-on-Trent businesses such as Solidor growing and expanding here. It’s in part because of businesses like Solidor that we’re number three for jobs growth in Britain right now.” “Stoke-on-Trent is well and truly powering up, and I’m looking forward to the months and years ahead as we lift the city out of lockdown, focusing on transport, economic development, education and skills, and health and productivity.” G-Park Stoke is situated within an established and successful commercial area.  It is home to the regional distribution operations of leading online electrical retailer AO and situated 7 miles to the west of junction 15 of the M6.

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GLP Upsizes European Development Fund, Targeting €4 Billion in AUM

The upsize will fund strategic expansion and transform the fund into a diversified Pan-European vehicle GLP announced today a strategic expansion in size and scope of GLP Continental Europe Development Partners I (“GLP CDP I”). GLP and its partners Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”) through its wholly owned subsidiary, CPP Investment Board Europe S.à r.l., and QuadReal Property Group (“QuadReal”) have agreed to expand the investment capacity of GLP CDP I, targeting €4 billion of assets under management (“AUM”) (~US$4.9 billion) upon stabilization. Through this expansion, CPP Investments has committed €900 million of equity, representing a 45% share and QuadReal has committed €800 million of equity, representing a 40% share, with the remaining 15% held by GLP. Ralf Wessel, Managing Director, Fund Management, GLP, said, “This upsize is testament to how well GLP CDP I has performed since its inception. Our investment pipeline is considerably ahead of schedule and we are seeing strong demand for our developments, reflecting attractive fundamentals for logistics development across all major hubs in Europe. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CPP Investments and QuadReal to expand GLP CDP I into a truly Pan-European development vehicle.” GLP CDP I was established in 2018 to develop modern logistics assets in Continental Europe including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. The upsize will be used to transform GLP CDP I into a Pan-European development vehicle by strategically expanding in the United Kingdom (“UK”) and Central and Eastern Europe (“CEE”) markets via the acquisition of landbank and select high-quality logistics development opportunities. Andrea Orlandi, Managing Director, Head of Real Estate Investments – Europe, CPP Investments, said, “GLP CDP I is a key part of our development-led growth strategy in the logistics sector globally. Given the success of the venture to date, we are pleased to be continuing and expanding our partnership with GLP and QuadReal. We have a strong conviction in the logistics and warehousing sector and the ability of GLP to execute on our strategy, enabling us to deliver long-term sustainable returns for our contributors and beneficiaries in Canada.” Jay Kwan, Managing Director, Head of Europe, QuadReal, said, “Expanding our venture with GLP and CPP Investments was a natural evolution of our partnership given its success to date, continued favourable market conditions and strong relationships created with tenants. We’re pleased to be investing alongside two partners with whom we have a lockstep relationship.” Since entering the European market in 2017, GLP has more than tripled its AUM. Following the upsize of GLP CDP I, GLP now manages more than €12 billion (~US$13 billion) of AUM across Europe’s strongest logistics markets.

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