Commercial : Industrial News

Planning Consent Granted for Employment Development

The development of more than one million sq ft of new employment space on a site off the M1 in South Yorkshire has been granted planning permission. Harworth Group received approval for development of a site on either side of Dearne Valley Parkway, close to Junction 36 of the M1, at

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SALE OF PHOENIX 66 COMPLETED BY ONWARD HOLDINGS

West Yorkshire based developer and commercial property company Onward Holdings Ltd has sold its newly completed 66,000sq ft speculative warehouse in Featherstone (branded Phoenix 66) to a confidential party. The new owner has now taken delivery of the keys to the high bay state-of-the-art logistics facility situated on the Green

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NETWORK SPACE SIGN UP TO NORTHERN POWERHOUSE PARTNERSHIP

Commercial real estate developer Network Space has become a member of the Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme. The company, established in 1982, has its headquarters in Warrington and engages closely with stakeholder partners across the North. It has recently delivered award-winning and job creating schemes including Mere Grange at St Helens,

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Spa Park Signs Leading US Industrial Firm

A leading manufacturer and supplier of power transmission products, material handling components and systems has opened its first European operations at a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa. US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear has signed a 10-year lease for a unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

Property deal takes Mere Grange to almost 90% let with only one unit left available

Network Space has let a further 21,375 sq ft at its Mere Grange development in St Helens to an online retailer leaving only one unit available at the 30-acre development.  The international retailer is taking space within the £7million first phase speculative development of four industrial units, which was delivered by Network Space in 2018. This latest deal follows 122,000 sq ft of lettings to Kilwaughter, Dresser Natural Gas Solutions (NGS), Synergy LMS and Ormazabal. Together these new occupiers have created around 300 job opportunities at the popular St Helen’s site. Joe Burnett, Development Director of Network Space, said: “Mere Grange has proved a huge success, attracting strong covenants, which is testament to the quality of the scheme’s design, specification and great location. “We only have one 18,500 sq ft unit available on the site, and with the increasing demand for online retail and the shortage of suitable warehouse and distribution space, we are seeing a very high level of interest and expect to be fully let before the year is out.” Network Space developed the Mere Grange mixed-use site in partnership with Homes England, St Helens Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Anwyl Homes is currently on site delivering 82 homes on the residential portion of the site having acquired it from Network Space in 2019. Mere Grange offers a total of 162,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial space, the one remaining unit provides 18,595 sq ft of warehousing, including first floor offices and amenity space. With secure, gated service yard and direct access onto the St Helens Linkway (A570), it is just minutes from the M62 offering excellent access to Liverpool, Warrington and Greater Manchester.  B8 Real Estate and CBRE are joint agents on the scheme. About Network Space Operating across the Northern Powerhouse region, Network Space is a commercial property developer, investor and manager specialising in the industrial warehouse sector. Founded in 1982, Network Space has created and modernised over 10 million sq ft of industrial warehouse property in over 150 locations. The company’s vision is to provide the best and most complete industrial workspace solution for all of its stakeholder partners, whether they are a tenant, investor or government body. Their secured land bank could deliver 2.5 million sq ft of new industrial property with a value of over £200m over the next five years. 

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PLP APPOINT JF FINNEGAN TO CONSTRUCT TWO UNITS AT PLP WAKEFIELD, SILKWOOD BUSINESS PARK

Sheffield based Construction Contractor J F Finnegan have secured the contract to construct two speculative units at Silkwood Business Park in Wakefield for PLP. The speculative development comprises the Design and Construction of two new build Industrial units totalling approximately 310,409 sq ft. The project incorporates a warehouse facility and integral mezzanine offices, respectively. Both unit 1 (235,409 sq ft) & unit 2 (75,000 sq ft) include a service yard, dock levellers and level access doors, car, trailer parking and external works. Matthew Fitton, Development Director at PLP said: ‘PLP is committed to the Yorkshire logistics market because of the region’s expertise in this essential part of the economic infrastructure of the UK. This speculative development project demonstrates both PLP’s commitment to the region and also the strength of the occupational demand in the Wakefield sub-market. With immediate proximity to Junction 40 of the M1, PLP Wakefield will appeal to both national and regional businesses. PLP Wakefield is a well-established commercial location with great amenity value, strong occupier base and access to a large, skilled labour force. We expect this development will potentially create up to 500 new jobs when these units are occupied and fully operational.’ As part of PLP’s sustainability policy on speculative buildings, the units will be delivered to a net zero carbon ready standard (as defined under the UK Green Building Council framework) and will achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating.  Sustainability initiatives include roof mounted solar panels, multiple electric charging points for vehicles and future proofed infrastructure to scale these installations post occupation.’ Dawa Singh, Head of Pre-Construction at J F Finnegan commented, “We are excited to have secured this project for PLP and look forward to working closely with PLP and Quartz Project Services. J F Finnegan have played a significant role in logistics and distribution warehouses within the South Yorkshire region for over 75 years.  We are passionate about Wakefield and proud to be a part of this latest redevelopment project which will enhance the local economy in the current economic climate.”

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GLP LEASES 90,000 SQ FT UNIT AT G-PARK NORTHAMPTON TO SF EXPRESS

GLP, investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces that it has leased a 90,000 SQ FT unit at its G-Park Northampton site. The 90,000 SQ FT warehouse has been let to SF Express, a global customer of GLP. The leasing of Unit 2 marks SF Express’ first UK Distribution Centre and will form part of its expanding Supply Chain overseas strategy. GLP has delivered over 5.4 million SQ FT of logistics space for SF Express in China, making them one of GLP’s largest customers in China. G-Park Northampton is in a prime location benefiting from its proximity to the M1 and M40 and is within easy reach of the M6/A14. This puts 90% of the population of England and Wales within a four-hour HGV drive time. G-Park Northampton is located within Moulton Park and comprises three units and one build-to-suit logistics warehouse from 50,000 to 155,000 SQ FT. Grade ‘A’ rated, the highly specified buildings have achieved BREEAM scoring Very Good and are suitable for a range of occupiers including last mile logistics, 3PLs, retail/FMCG and manufacturers. Moulton Park is one of the most successful industrial estates in Northamptonshire and is already home to a wide range of regional and national businesses. Occupiers continue to be attracted by the areas’ exceptional transport links, access to national markets and suitably skilled workforce. Simon Truss, General Manager for Western Europe at SF Express, said: “We are very excited to open 90,000 SQFT of warehousing capacity in Northampton. Following an extensive review we selected Moulton Park because of its optimal location and build quality. The facility will focus on National Distribution for our high value products, and as such will be fitted out to a very high standard.” Joe Garwood, Development Director at GLP Europe, said: “As a long-standing global customer of GLP, we are thrilled to expand our relationship with SF Express and support their expansion into the UK. We look forward to continued collaboration in the UK and beyond”.

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Plans unveiled for major new industrial development at Radway Green in Crewe

40-acre former BAE site when developed will accommodate 803,000 sq. ft of new industrial warehouse space. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration has today announced that a planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of a former BAE site at Radway Green in Crewe. Working in conjunction with the current landowners, plans have been submitted for 803,000 sq. ft of new industrial warehouse space on the 40-acre site part of which has already been demolished and cleared. Working collaboratively with Tilstone Industrial Limited, the proposals will see the creation of a high-quality multi-unit estate replacing the existing old, outdated stock as well as significant infrastructure improvements. Talking about the announcement Gareth Williams, Development Director at St Francis Group said “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Tilstone Industrial and Radway 16 will be a regionally significant industrial warehouse scheme. With quick and easy access off junction 16 of the M6 it will attract a broad range of occupiers looking for a quality of space currently lacking in the area”. Andrew Bird of Tilstone added “As we build the portfolio of well located estates across the UK, there are a number of opportunities to regenerate buildings which, on this occasion, will replace many of the existing warehouses.  We will work with existing occupiers to phase the scheme, respecting the interests of all stakeholders.” The planning application will seek detailed consent for two units of 208,000 sq. ft and 143,000 sq. ft and outline consent for an additional 452,000 sq. ft. Infrastructure improvements will include work around the sites access off Radway Green Road.  Units could be made available for occupation by the end of 2021. Joint sole letting agents are Gerald Eve, DTRE and Savills.

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STEPNELL SHOWCASES UNIQUE END-TO-END APPROACH AT RECENT WAREHOUSE COMPLETION

THE LATEST completion of an 11,000 sq. ft warehouse by Stepnell has been a project with a difference, with the construction firm not only acting as the landlord, developer, principal contractor, and employer’s agent, but also successfully implementing its “whole team” approach to deliver in an efficient manner. Acting as a “complete construction partner”, the detached warehouse is part of the latest phase at OGEE Business Park in Wellingborough. Stepnell provided master-planning to create more than 350,000 sq. ft. of high-quality warehouse, industrial and office space. The 24-acre OGEE Business Park offers design and build opportunities available for sale or to let through Stepnell’s property team. The warehouse unit is being leased by one of Stepnell’s existing tenants at the business park, Double R Glass and Roofing Systems Ltd. The double-glazing supplier is expanding from its current warehouse at Ogee Business Park that it has leased since the unit was first built by Stepnell ten years ago. The new warehouse, located at the entrance to the business park, features fully fitted office space, including kitchen areas, a reception space and private offices. Edward Wakeford, property director at Stepnell, said: “We are delighted to have completed our latest project at OGEE Business Park. The development showcases our ability to offer a complete service; from planning and construction, all the way through to the development overseen by our dedicated team. “Using our own in-house expertise and property management team, we’ve been able to manage the project as a whole rather than having to tackle each part individually, making for an efficient build. We are proud to be able to offer this end-to-end approach, helping to provide continuity and consistency throughout the development. “We are really pleased to have supported our tenants Double R Glass and Roofing Systems on this development as part of their business growth and to provide the new warehouse facility, which they will now expand into. Stepnell built the first unit that Double R Glass and Roofing Systems occupied for the past ten years and it is great that we are able to continue the relationship.” Made up of a steel portal frame construction, the building also features fully landscaped external areas, providing a loading area with two five metre high loading doors as well as a dedicated car park for up to 17 vehicles. Once fully complete, OGEE Business Park – situated on the Finedon Road Estate and approximately a mile and a half north of Wellingborough town centre – will bring new investment and commercial opportunities to the area, providing new jobs for the Midlands region. Stepnell’s in-house property management experience includes an £8 million commercial development at Stepnell Park, which features ten industrial warehouse buildings and will eventually house a new head office for the 154-year-old family-owned firm. Badby Leys in Rugby, a development of three homes, which was completed at the end of March 2020 was also fully developed, built and managed by the construction company. Other occupiers at OGEE Business Park include Bedford Battery Company Ltd, Double “R” Glazing, Robinson Manufacturing and Tripal International. To find out more about  Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd  

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Planning Consent Granted for Employment Development

The development of more than one million sq ft of new employment space on a site off the M1 in South Yorkshire has been granted planning permission. Harworth Group received approval for development of a site on either side of Dearne Valley Parkway, close to Junction 36 of the M1, at meeting of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The 95-acre site represents the second and third phases of the Gateway 36 development.The hybrid application includes outline plans for 1.1 million sq ft of space for business, general industrial, and storage and distribution space, together with associated internal access roads, landscaping and drainage. The indicative masterplan for the development shows ten units in a range of sizes. Detailed plans are included for earthworks and the creation of access points, including a new roundabout on the Dearne Valley Parkway, and link road. It has been estimated that the development could support the creation of about 2,500 jobs. The council’s Planning Regulatory Board unanimously voted to approve the scheme, subject to conditions, at the meeting. Gateway 36 is being developed on the former Rockingham Colliery site. Phase 1, comprising 198,000 sq ft of commercial space, was approved in March 2015. Barnsley Council has taken three units developed as part of the first phase for the R-evolution @ Gateway 36 scheme.

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SALE OF PHOENIX 66 COMPLETED BY ONWARD HOLDINGS

West Yorkshire based developer and commercial property company Onward Holdings Ltd has sold its newly completed 66,000sq ft speculative warehouse in Featherstone (branded Phoenix 66) to a confidential party. The new owner has now taken delivery of the keys to the high bay state-of-the-art logistics facility situated on the Green Lane Industrial Estate in Featherstone off Junction 31 of the M62, which will be the maintenance hub for its fleet of HGV vehicles. Acquiring the warehouse will allow the new owner to relocate and upgrade its operations from its existing long-standing operational site located near the centre of Wakefield. This detached unit extends to around 66,923sq ft, including first floor offices and allows the occupier the flexibility to extend into a further 3,207sq ft of additional second floor accommodation in due course. Other vital statistics include: generous concrete service yard, 13.1m eaves height, floor loading of 50 kNm2, six loading doors (including 4 docks), PV roof panels and electric car charging. Phoenix 66, a ‘best in class’ warehouse facility, forms part of the significant investment by Onward Holdings in the Green Lane Industrial Estate over the past few years, bringing a much-needed jobs boost and business to the local area. Neil Storey, director of Onward Holdings, said: “We are thrilled to have helped the occupier find the right property for its operational needs. Phoenix 66 is a quality unit in a prime location that offers excellent facilities and transport links. We are looking to acquire other sites that will help address the current shortage of quality logistics facilities in the region.” Iain McPhail, Partner at Knight Frank and Andrew Miller of Andrew Miller Chartered Surveyors advised Onward Holdings. Iain commented: “We are proud to have been involved as part of the team on this exciting project from start to finish.  It just shows the importance of getting the specification right on a new build unit and Phoenix 66 delivered a truly institutional opportunity to the market.  We are also encouraged that the Yorkshire industrial and logistics market continues to perform, even during these unprecedented times.” Onward Holdings offers a range of logistics options to suit most budgets, together with additional value-added warehouse services. The different facilities that the company can supply will help businesses gain a vital foothold in the northern supply chain.

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NETWORK SPACE SIGN UP TO NORTHERN POWERHOUSE PARTNERSHIP

Commercial real estate developer Network Space has become a member of the Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme. The company, established in 1982, has its headquarters in Warrington and engages closely with stakeholder partners across the North. It has recently delivered award-winning and job creating schemes including Mere Grange at St Helens, Vector 31 in South Yorkshire and the Tameside Wellness Centre at Denton, Greater Manchester. Network Space Director Catherine Chilvers is also a Board member of the Local Enterprise Partnership that is advising on built environment issues and economic growth across the Liverpool City Region. The Northern Powerhouse Partnership Programme aims to boost the North’s economy through investment in skills, innovation, transport and culture. Network Space joins almost 400 businesses, civic bodies and charities based across the North of England which have joined the Government-led initiative. Network Space Chairman, Richard Ainscough, said: “Network Space is about delivering exceptional places and spaces for people to work. Over the last decade, we have helped champion and regenerate many urban areas that has struggled to attract inward investment. “These schemes have attracted global names back to the region, as well as providing long term jobs and opportunities. Our values and ambition align perfectly with the Northern Powerhouse and so we are delighted to be part of this wider business initiative.” The Northern Powerhouse is currently building on a £3.4bn Local Growth Fund investment to create world-class places where people want to live, work, visit and invest. It aims to boosting the local economy by investing in skills, innovation, transport and culture, as well as devolving significant powers and budgets to directly elected mayors to ensure decisions in the North are made by the North.

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Spa Park Signs Leading US Industrial Firm

A leading manufacturer and supplier of power transmission products, material handling components and systems has opened its first European operations at a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa. US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear has signed a 10-year lease for a unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices at Spa Park, which has been jointly developed by Stoford Developments and asset management company BlackRock. The industrial specialist, which stocks a wide range of its standard power transmission and bulk material handling products, took occupation of the unit in June 2020. In its first phase of operations, it has a machine shop to re-work standard products to customers’ requirements, with further operational phases planned to expand the machine shop to enable it to manufacture made-to-order and special-design parts. In the next two years, it aims to create 10 jobs. Phillip Hewitt, General Manager EMEA of Martin Sprocket & Gear UK Ltd, said the new venture means it can service existing and new customers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, as well as complement its facilities across in the USA, Mexico, Brazil and China. He said as well as creating local jobs, it was also committed to supporting the region’s economy by working with local companies, where possible. “We looked at many sites across the Midlands and the north of England as our goal was to have a location that is close to the motorway network, to our major customers and to ports and airports. Spa Park ticks all those boxes,” he said. “Our aim is to service the EMEA market by following the philosophy of our founder Joe Martin senior in 1951, of having large inventory, providing a quality product and being easy to do business with. Our success will be good for the local economy as we will recruit locally and source consumables from local companies wherever possible.” Welcoming Martin Sprocket & Gear UK Ltd to Spa Park, Edward Peel, Development Manager at Birmingham-based Stoford Developments, said: “Attracting yet another global name to Spa Park is testament to the quality of the development as well as the excellent location and national road networks. “There remains strong demand for business units and warehouses of this size in the area, which has been experienced through the interest we have received in the scheme to date. The remaining two units on site are currently still available. However we are in discussions with a number of interested parties and hope to welcome the next occupier to the park soon.” Spa Park comprises four units and is located on Tachbrook Road. Last year it signed Liberty 920E, part of the prestigious Liberty Vehicle Technologies, for a 50,000 sq ft unit. Units 3 and 4 remain available and 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). Spa Park 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.

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GLP LEASES 84,000 SQ FT UNIT AT G-PARK BIGGLESWADE TO FOCUS INTERNATIONAL

GLP, investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces that it has leased an 84,000 SQ FT unit at its G-Park Biggleswade site in Bedfordshire. The 84,000 SQ FT warehouse has been let to Focus International, part of the JD Sports Group. Focus will be utilising the warehouse space for bulk storage and pick-and-pack of their portfolio of brands including ellesse UK, Yogi Footwear, Nautica Competition, Peter Werth, Fenchurch, Henleys, Ecko and Starter and using additional office space so we can ensure staff have enough space to socially distance. G-Park Biggleswade comprises five units in total, including a 61,000 SQ FT unit leased to SeeWoo Foods earlier this year, and a 97,500 SQ FT build-to-suit distribution centre leased to Dublin-based Zeus Packaging. There is also a further 106,000 SQ FT speculatively developed warehouse which is currently available for lease. Each warehouse is designed to BREEAM Excellent and built to meet the evolving needs of GLP’s logistics, distribution and ecommerce customers in the UK. In addition to this best-in-class specification, the development benefits from Biggleswade’s strong labour pool and excellent transport links to central London and the South East. G-Park Biggleswade forms part of Stratton Business Park, which is home to a number of leading businesses from the packaging, distribution, food and manufacturing sectors as well as a retail complex including M&S, Pets at Home, Boots, River Island, and Halfords. Andrew Ward, Operations Director at Focus, said: “We are looking forward to working with GLP and joining other leading brands at G-Park Biggleswade. A solid infrastructure and efficient logistics system is key to the success of any business, and for Focus, this is especially important with several brands under our umbrella, and continued growth in Central Europe. The position is perfect for our business as it is placed on the A1 and just 43 miles from central London. We look forward to bringing new work opportunities to the area and making this the perfect base to continue to grow our Focus brands. The last few months have been extremely challenging for retail with the global pandemic, so we’re pleased to make this positive move, eventually employing 40+ people in the area as we continue to drive future development.” James Atkinson, Development Manager at GLP Europe, said: “This development, which completed in January of this year, highlights GLP’s ongoing commitment to offering high quality space for our customers in established logistics locations. The built-to-suit logistics warehouses on site illustrate the strength of occupier demand in the area and we have responded by speculatively developing a range of different-sized units to maintain flexibility for our customers. We look forward to working with Focus International for the first time and are pleased with the success of this development so far, with only one unit now remaining to let.” A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesperson said: “We negotiated the sale of the Stratton Phase 4 land to GLP in early 2018 and have since been impressed with the quality and speed of delivery that GLP have orchestrated. “The addition to the existing business park of five high quality buildings, at pace, has attracted new businesses to Biggleswade and provided a significant boost to job creation in the town and beyond. “The development of G Park has helped reinforce Stratton Business Park as a key business location in the region.” Adroit Real Estate Advisors, BNP PRE, and CBRE acted for GLP.

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