Commercial : Industrial News

Savills IM and Panattoni commence London net zero carbon logistics development

Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, working with Panattoni – the UK’s largest speculative developer – as development manager, has commissioned a new net zero carbon logistics/warehouse development at its Belvedere Wharf site in Bexley, southeast London. Belvedere is one of London’s premiere logistics locations.

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Stoford completes phase one of Spa Park

Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable

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East Midlands Gateway logistics park work underway for large DHL Shed

Parcel company takes 10 year lease on second warehouse at huge distribution park just north of East Midlands Airport Global logistics operator DHL has taken a second big unit at the vast SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway being built on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border. The parcel company has taken a

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Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

Helios to create major warehouse confirmed for Stockton to create 3000 Jobs

A MAJOR warehouse, that is similar to the size of Amazon’s site in Darlington, has been confirmed near Stockton. Plans have been submitted to Stockton Borough Council for a two million sq ft logistics and distribution centre to be built in Wynyard, near Stockton. The site, which is understood to be a similar size to the recently opened Amazon Fulfilment Centre in Darlington, is expected to open in September 2022. The Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen today welcomed the ‘huge investment’ as he confirmed 3,000 jobs would be created during construction and when it opens. Mr Houchen said: “Logistics is a hugely important sector with huge potential for growth, that’s why the sector is playing an important role in my plan for jobs – a plan that is delivering good-quality, well paid jobs for local workers.  “With the deepest port on the east coast that’s also the fifth largest port in the UK right on our doorstep, we are well positioned to take advantage of the explosive growth in the sector that will come over the coming years.   “My number one priority is always attracting the businesses and investment to the Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool that will create the good quality well-paid jobs we all want to see come to our region and that’s why I am backing these plans.”  Plans for the development have been submitted by Helios Properties for the new facility. Trevor Cartner of Helios Properties said: “I am thrilled that we have submitted our planning application to Stockton Borough Council for our proposed state-of-the-art logistics and distribution centre in Stockton.   “This is a huge investment into the area and once it is up and running this centre will create good-quality well paid jobs covering everything from fulfilment staff to HR to finance, business, IT support and engineering. There will also be a significant boost for our construction sector with many more jobs created and safeguarded  “We have only been able to get to this stage thanks to the backing of Mr Houchen who sees, as we do, the huge benefits in terms of jobs our plans will bring to the region.”  It has not been confirmed who the tenant of the huge site will be.

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Chancerygate secures planning for Warrington and Sutton Coldfield sites totalling 191,680 sq ft

Chancerygate has secured planning for two multi-unit schemes at Gemini8 in Warrington and Forge Industrial Park in Sutton Coldfield. The development at Gemini8 will see Chancerygate speculatively develop 119,675 sq ft of industrial and warehousing space as part of a joint venture (JV) with Hines, the international real estate firm. Comprising 5.1 acres in total, the scheme will provide 18 freehold and leasehold units ranging from 3,900 sq ft to 16,500 sq ft and is strategically located with direct access to the M62. Planning consent comes after Chancerygate and Hines acquired the site in January this year. The development at Forge Industrial Park in Sutton Coldfield will see Chancerygate deliver a 72,007 sq ft freehold light industrial and warehousing scheme featuring 11 units ranging from 4,467 sq ft to 24,003 sq ft. Chancerygate purchased the 3.1-acre site last August and work to demolish an existing 69,000 sq ft industrial building on the site is due to begin in November. Located next to Minworth Trade Park, Forge Industrial Park is located 2.2 miles from junction 5 of the M6, three miles from junction 9 of the M42 and seven miles north east of Birmingham city centre. Alastair King, head of development at Chancerygate, said: “We are seeing growing demand for high-quality industrial developments across the UK. This is being driven in part by increasing demand from retailers and institutional investors, both of which regard strategically located industrial space as a key asset. “Our scheme at Gemini8 is a great example of this. Historically, there has been a shortage of warehousing space in Warrington and there has not been a multi-unit development in the area for more than a decade. Now, we are seeing demand rise significantly and that is why we are best placed to invest in the area to speculatively develop 119,675 sq ft of industrial and warehousing space. “Rising demand is also a key driver behind our development at Forge Industrial Park. It is a well-established industrial area and is ideally located for retailers and funds looking to invest in warehousing and logistics to meet growing consumer demand for ecommerce and home delivery models.” Commenting on the scheme at Gemini8 in Warrington, Greg Cooper, Hines UK director of industrial and logistics, said: “This is an important next step in continuing to grow our portfolio with Chancerygate and deliver high-quality industrial schemes across the UK. The partnership to date has been highly successful at identifying modern industrial and logistics space in strategic locations across the UK and we welcome the momentum behind these quick transactions that allow us to deliver schemes at pace.” Joint agents on the Gemini8 scheme are CBRE and Davies Harrison. Joint agents on the Forge Park Industrial scheme are Knight Frank and Gerald Eve.

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JAYNIC to develop huge SHED at Suffolk Park in Bury St Edmunds for Belgian Logistics giant’s first UK location

Belgian logistics, real estate and motor-racing company Weerts Group has chosen Suffolk Park at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, for its first UK warehouse location and has secured just over 42-acres from developer JAYNIC for a new 870,000 sq ft logistics unit to be delivered by JAYNIC in summer 2021. This is the largest ever warehouse transaction to be undertaken in Bury St Edmunds and the West Suffolk region bringing major new investment and jobs to the region. The 870,000 sq ft logistics facility will be developed in two phases with a first phase of 476,000 sq ft to be completed in Summer 2021 and the second phase following immediately. A detailed planning application has just been submitted to West Suffolk Council. Weerts Group is renowned across Europe for its buildings where sustainability is an important feature. Weerts Group has chosen Suffolk Park because of its proximity to the Felixstowe ferry connection with the European continent and its proximity to Junction 45 of the A14 providing fast links into the UK motorway network. Ben Oughton, development director of JAYNIC, said: “This is a very significant deal for Suffolk Park, Suffolk and East Anglia. This transaction with Weerts Group comes swiftly on the heels of the sale of our SP206 unit to Chinese consumer goods importer M H Star and re-affirms the rapidly increasing popularity of the A14 as a logistics location. In under six months these two transactions amount to 1.1m sq ft of warehousing and the creation of around 700 jobs for the local economy,” Weerts Group is headquartered in Liège, Belgium and has operations in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Hungary and Romania. Its General Logistics Services division offers its clients comprehensive solutions for warehousing, transport and value-add logistics services, with a strong focus on innovative solutions and engaging in continuous improvement projects with its clients. In 2017, it significantly expanded its operations through the acquisition of the in-house logistics of the Audi manufacturing plant in Brussels (65,000 sqm), where it operates all in-house logistics activities for the Brussels plant and is actively involved in preparing for the construction of the first full electric vehicle of the Audi group. Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “We welcome this new investment and the creation of new jobs here in West Suffolk helping to deliver the vision that the Council worked so hard to achieve when it set out to create the Suffolk Business Park.” Richard Pyatt, a director of Hazells Chartered Surveyors, comments: “Acting on behalf of JAYNIC we were delighted to introduce Weerts Group to Suffolk Park and assist in the negotiations for this transaction. This is a stellar example of the increasing demand from major logistics companies who see Felixstowe and the A14 as an alternative to the Kent ports for their links to the European continent. Securing a major occupier of this nature represents a significant boost for the local economy in Bury St Edmunds and underlines Suffolk Park as the pre-eminent logistics park in the region.” Elsewhere at Suffolk Park the 112,000 sq ft first phase of Treatt Plc’s new global headquarters, being developed by Jaynic is due for completion imminently. The 114-acre Suffolk Park has outline planning consent for 2 million sq ft of business, distribution, and industrial space. Suffolk Park agents are Bury St Edmunds based Hazells Chartered Surveyors, Cambridge agents Bidwells and Savills London’s logistics department. www.suffolk-park.uk

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Hörmann UK supports St.Modwen Industrial & Logistics in largest ever speculative logistics build

As St. Modwen Industrial and Logistics’ largest ever speculative logistics build, the industrial unit on the second phase of its flagship Tamworth site stretches an impressive 321,204 sq. ft and features the greatest innovations in building components, including Hörmann UK’s high quality portfolio of loading solutions. Building on its impressive industrial growth strategy, the latest construction is its highest specification to date and will act as a showcase scheme for future projects. Phase two, named T321, spans almost 480,000sq. ft and is strategically located at the heart of the Midlands’ motorway network, just off junction 10 of the M42. It’s prime positioning was chosen to meet the gap in supply for industrial units within the region, comprising of the highest standards in manufacturing, storage and distribution solutions. Building on its longstanding relationship with St. Modwen Industrial & Logistics, Hörmann UK was chosen to supply and install its market leading loading bay solutions, including single and double deck shelters, to ensure the site adequately fulfils the ever-changing needs of prospective clients. Its innovative Level Access Doors, Loading Bay Doors, Dock Bumpers, LED Traffic Lights and LED Dock Lights were also selected to provide a complete and complementary offering. Richard Carter, Senior Director – Construction for St. Modwen Industrial and Logistics’, said: “The construction of the first and second phases at St. Modwen Park Tamworth is a significant milestone for St. Modwen Logistics & Industrial as we successfully complete the construction of our largest ever speculatively built logistics building. “The impressive site will bring up to 1,700 jobs to the region, demonstrating our commitment to creating sustainable commercial developments that benefit all individuals involved. Phase two sets the bar for operational success, health and wellbeing, featuring our highest specification to date. “This includes over 150 of Hörmann’s innovative loading solutions, which have been installed throughout the site to support occupiers in achieving the highest standards in operational efficiency, safety and security. St. Modwen Park Tamworth sets the precedent for our growth strategy as we look to increase our output of commercial sites throughout 2020 and beyond.” The warehouse’s external design features single sided loading with 27 of Hörmann’s loading bays, which can be in operation 24/7 for maximum output. 23 of the bays include Hörmann’s popular single deck loading bay doors, dock levellers and dock shelters, while the remaining four bays feature its double deck dock shelters and dock levellers. This enables the site to adequately meet the needs of a diverse fleet, from standard heavy goods vehicles to double deck trucks. For increased thermal efficiency, the double deck docks are fitted with secondary electric roller blind top flaps to provide an efficient seal on smaller vehicles when using the bay, minimising any potential transfer of heat loss. This supports the site in achieving its BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation, while the standard deck loading bays also offer outstanding thermal efficiency, with the insulated sectional panels enabling the doors to achieve a U- value of 0.5/Wm².K. The loading bays are also equipped with Hörmann UK’s LED external arrow traffic lights to signal to drivers when they can safely pull off from the bay. Its functional LED dock lights have also been installed on each bay to provide outstanding levels of safety during the unloading and loading process. Hörmann’s first class dock bumpers have also been fitted across each bay to provide additional protection. The bumpers are spring loaded to absorb the impact caused by heavy loads if they make contact with the bay, providing enhanced operational efficiency and safety to minimise any potential downtime due to damage. Three Level Access Doors were also installed throughout the warehouse for enhanced functionality, whilst also providing comprehensive thermal efficiency with a U-Value of 0.5/Wm².K due to its composite construction and insulated sectional panels. The electronically operated doors are fitted with an anti-lift device and an interlocked heavy duty shoot bolt to provide first class security for additional peace of mind. Paul Tulley, Key Account Manager for Hörmann UK, said: “Our presence at St. Modwen Park Tamworth is part of our wider commitment to provide £1million of loading bay solutions to St. Modwen Logistics & Industrial to support its impressive UK growth strategy. “We are very proud to have been selected by St. Modwen Logistics & Industrial as one of the prime suppliers on its expansion journey and it reflects our continued commitment to ensure we manufacture, supply and maintain the most innovative and quality loading solutions for supply chain operators. We look forward to working together throughout 2020 to see the completion of an impressive number of sites across the country.” To view Hörmann UK’s complete offering for the industrial market, visit https://www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.

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Goodman given green light for M25 340,000 sq ft prime e-commerce and deliveries site+

Green light granted for one of the largest warehouses available within the M25, meeting demand for quality logistics space close to the Capital Customers to benefit from access to a skilled workforce, including 1.6 million qualified locals1 Planning has been granted for a high specification 338,267 sq ft single unit warehouse at Purfleet Commercial Park, Essex.  Available to pre-let with the ability for an immediate start on site, Purfleet 338 is just 16 miles from Central London and at the heart of the M25 and A13 corridors, providing excellent connectivity across Greater London and the South East.  This location has prime access to the national motorway network, only half a mile from junctions 30 and 31 of the M25. This sees it able to efficiently service potential e-commerce, retail and third-party logistics customers, with capability of reaching 21 million consumers, with a combined purchasing power of £453 billion per annum2, within two hours.  Purfleet 338 also benefits from a sizeable base of potential employees – with 9,300 job seekers within a 30-minute radius and access to 1.6 million locals with qualifications relevant to logistics and distribution.     The warehouse will be developed to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and will include more than 29,000 sq ft of high quality office space. Sustainably designed and energy efficient, the property will feature electric car charging points and infrastructure for future electric vehicle fleets, solar thermal heating and hot water, and carbon neutral cladding. The wider park has been designed to meet the business, health and wellbeing needs of Goodman’s customers with outdoor seating alongside a pond, mature landscaping, and a delineated running track. George Glennie, Development Director at Goodman, said:  “Purfleet 338 sees Goodman continuing our commitment to provide critical infrastructure for delivery of essential goods and services.  “With this new development, we will further connect our customers with their consumers both in the Capital and wider South East region, helping them meet growing expectations for faster deliveries.” Purfleet 338’s plans also include an 18 metre clear internal height, 55 metre yard depth, 4MVA of power and a cladding system designed to meet chill-store requirements – offering customers flexibility in usage while maximising operational efficiency.   Glennie continued:  “Goodman focuses on securing key sites for properties that stand the test of time. We know that well located, designed and managed properties are better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Our Purfleet investment allows for rising demand in flexible, high-specification spaces that support supply chain efficiencies.”    To find out more about Purfleet Commercial Park, please visit the website for further details. Joint agents marketing the scheme are Cushman & Wakefield and JLL.

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Savills IM and Panattoni commence London net zero carbon logistics development

Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, working with Panattoni – the UK’s largest speculative developer – as development manager, has commissioned a new net zero carbon logistics/warehouse development at its Belvedere Wharf site in Bexley, southeast London. Belvedere is one of London’s premiere logistics locations. It will be the final phase of speculative development at the site following the successful disposal of the previous two phases. The new project involves the redevelopment of a six-acre site providing up to 112,842 sq ft of industrial/distribution space. The brand new development can be taken as a combined 112,842 sq ft unit or as two separate units of 51,446 and 61,376 sq ft each, and will be ready for occupation Q4 2021. Lucy Winterburn, Director, Investment, Savills IM, commented: “Belvedere Wharf is in an area with great potential for regeneration and growth. There is a growing shortage of land suitable for redevelopment within the M25, and this final phase of speculative investment in this asset demonstrates the confidence that we have in the resilience of London despite Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. To deliver a net zero carbon product is a first for our client, but a commitment that we are embracing across the portfolio in both standing investment stock and new development. It is an exciting milestone for the fund.” James Watson, Director, Panattoni, commented: “The UK’s industrial market remains robust despite current economic challenges. Supply of high quality logistics/warehouse accommodation is very low in the southeast, and as the economy normalises, Belvedere Wharf will offer a unique opportunity for us to capitalise on the current supply dynamics. We are delighted to be working once again with Savills IM, this time showcasing a net carbon zero development.” The agents on the scheme are Savills, Glenny and DTRE.

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Stoford completes phase one of Spa Park

Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable for advanced manufacturing, e-fulfilment and distribution uses (B1, B2 and B8 classes). The units, which are now available to let, sit alongside a 50,000 sq ft unit, which is occupied by Liberty 920E, part of the prestigious Liberty Vehicle Technologies; and US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear, which occupies unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford Developments, which is developing the site jointly with leading asset management company BlackRock, said: “We’re pleased to have completed this critical first phase of the development and are confident that our investment in these two high-quality speculative units will attract ambitious businesses to Spa Park. “Despite the challenges of 2020, we are still seeing a strong demand for units of this size at the park, thanks to its strategic location and excellent road network. We are talking to a number of interested businesses and hope to be able to welcome new occupiers soon.” Spa Park comprises four units and is located on Tachbrook Road. It is close to the A46 and junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. Leamington Spa train station is less than one mile away. Spa Park is already home to lingerie and swimwear brand Bravissimo, Detroit Electric and global medical company Smith + Nephew. Stoford and BlackRock are also to construct a second phase, with units of 30,000 sq ft to 290,000  sq ft, available on a build-to-suit basis, which will provide occupiers with the opportunity to tailor the specification and design to their specific requirements. For all enquiries, contact the scheme’s retained agents: CBRE, Bromwich Hardy or M1. Details can be found at www.spapark.co.uk

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ABLE MARINE ENERGY PARK ‘UNIQUELY PLACED’ TO DELIVER PRIME MINISTER’S AMBITIONS

The head of Able UK has said today that its marine energy park development on the River Humber is ‘uniquely placed’ to deliver the ambition for the UK to become a world leader in wind energy set out by the Prime Minister today. Speaking to the Conservative Party conference Boris Johnson announced £160m to upgrade ports and factories for building turbines to help the country ‘build back greener’, create 2,000 jobs in construction and support 60,000 more. Said Able UK Executive Chairman Pater Stephenson “That the Prime Minister, even in these difficult times, chooses to focus on the burgeoning offshore wind sector is proof positive that the Government is seeing the bigger picture and wishes to grasp this singular but time limited opportunity.  “Of course, the reality is that before we can talk about manufacturing and maximising UK content, we need to put the building blocks in place and the fully consented Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP) is uniquely placed to deliver the ideal UK solution. Working closely with a number if Government departments we are committed to bringing this development to fruition. “We are at varying stages of negotiation with a number of manufacturers who clearly recognise the strength of the UK’s offshore wind sector and who, just as significantly, are fully embracing the need to establish a new ‘world-scale’ industrial cluster on the Humber.” “Only last month the Korean manufacturer SeAH confirmed that it had signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding with AMEP to establish what would be the UK’s first large-scale monopile production facility.”

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IM Properties win double at the 2020 Industrial Agents Society Awards

The 33rd Industrial Agents Society Awards celebrated the achievements of the property sector on Thursday 24th September 2020. The annual luncheon and ceremony may have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a virtual awards ceremony taking its place, but that did not have any impact on IM Properties celebrating being recognised with two nominations and subsequent awards. IM Properties picked up two awards, one for Deal of the Year – over 250,000 sq ft for the JLR global logistics parts centre at Mercia Park which is the largest ever UK pre-let; and they were also awarded the prestigious award of Developer of the Year which was voted for by IAS members – recognising the continued successes of the business over the last 12 months and its contribution to the industry. Amongst an incredibly difficult backdrop over the last 12 months, we are thrilled to have been recognised and awarded for our continued work to bring forward key new developments that invest in the local community, deliver key infrastructure and assist with local economic recovery. Kevin Ashfield, UK Development Director for IM Properties said: “It is fantastic to not only be recognised for the hard work and perseverance and the huge team effort that went into the Mercia Park deal which will result in something hugely significant for the region, but to be declared the Developer of the Year makes me extremely proud of the team. We always push to achieve what we set out to and deliver schemes we can be proud of. A massive thank you to the Judges and the members that voted for us.” For more information on the awards please see: awards.industrialagentssociety.com.

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East Midlands Gateway logistics park work underway for large DHL Shed

Parcel company takes 10 year lease on second warehouse at huge distribution park just north of East Midlands Airport Global logistics operator DHL has taken a second big unit at the vast SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway being built on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border. The parcel company has taken a 10 year lease on a 192,000 sq ft facility at the huge distribution park next to the M1, just north of East Midlands Airport. It takes the total space pre-let to DHL there close to 900,000 sq ft. Back in August, planning permission was granted for a 670,000 sq ft building for DHL on the warehouse park – covering an area the size of about 80 football pitches and likely to provide employment space for hundreds of people. East Midlands Gateway – which is served by its own rail freight interchange – is already home to a number of big warehouse buildings occupied by Amazon, Very, XPO Logistics and Kuehne and Nagel. Once complete, it will provide six million sq ft of space and create an estimated 7,000 jobs. DHL also has a significant base at the nearby airport. BusinessLive recently revealed how East Midlands Airport’s freight operations and the logistics firms around it were creating more new jobs right now than any other part of the region. The airport has seen a 20 per cent growth in the amount of freight going through it, after increasing demand for dedicated express freight operators such as DHL, UPS and FedEx and an increase in people shopping more online. Andrew Pilsworth, SEGRO’s business unit director for national logistics, said: “The latest addition with DHL at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway continues to highlight the demand for modern, sustainable space that is supremely well located. “We have now contracted over half the available space, securing inward investment and creating jobs across the region. “There’s a vibrant atmosphere on site and it’s good to see the high levels of activity of our customers during these uncertain times.” He said the on-site rail terminal, operated by Maritime, was now operational with trains transporting goods across the UK linking other strategic rail freight interchanges and ports such as Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and the Channel Tunnel. Mr Pilsworth said that since construction began on site in 2017, SEGRO had spent £100 million on earthworks, upgrading transport and road infrastructure, including building a new by-pass around the village of Kegworth. The site is seen as geographically significant because of its central England location, and proximity to the cities of Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.

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