The logistics sector across the Northern Powerhouse region has the potential to achieve transformational growth and create an additional 174,000 jobs by 2050 if key barriers are addressed, according to research by logistics developer Tritax Symmetry and planning and development consultancy Turley. Areas identified as needing ‘substantial improvement’ to achieve
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson is due to start highway infrastructure works this August as part of the £2.4million re-development of a mixed-use business park site in Skegness for Lincolnshire County Council, via the Scape Regional Construction framework. Works at the Skegness Industrial Estate located to the west of the town,
CBRE Global Investors Buys 3 Units At Leeds Logistics Park CBRE Global Investors has acquired 3 units totalling 119,500 sq ft from CDP Marshall at the flagship 62 Leeds logistics hub, demonstrating the continued high level of demand for prime mid-box units in the regional industrial sector. The acquisition includes
HelloFresh signs lease for 230,384 sq ft distribution warehouse New production facility to enable UK growth for the world-leading meal kit company Prime location to provide access to 55.9 million consumers in four-hour drivetime1 The leading global provider of fresh food at home, HelloFresh, has leased 230,384 sq ft of
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
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
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’
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
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
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
The logistics sector across the Northern Powerhouse region has the potential to achieve transformational growth and create an additional 174,000 jobs by 2050 if key barriers are addressed, according to research by logistics developer Tritax Symmetry and planning and development consultancy Turley. Areas identified as needing ‘substantial improvement’ to achieve the region’s growth potential include: supply of sites and premises, infrastructure investment and development, closing the North’s skills gap and delivering planning policy reform. The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the logistics sector in the North of England is £15.3 bn a year and is estimated to rise to £20.9bn a year by 2039. The research looked at numerous reports including the 2016 Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review which identified the potential growth of the logistics sector under a ‘transformational growth’ scenario. Under this scenario, the sector is identified as having the potential to achieve growth of 174,000 jobs (11%) and £29.6 billion GVA (8%) between 2015 and 2050. Split evenly by year, this equates to an average of 4,970 jobs and £845 million GVA growth per annum, resulting in an estimated annual salary increase of £5.3bn and a total additional 29,190 professional positions. The ‘transformational’ scenario would require in the region of 130 million sq ft of floorspace across 3,000 ha of land. Based on existing ratios of warehouse floorspace to homes, the three regions of the Northern Powerhouse are currently under-delivering logistics floorspace in comparison to housing growth. Commenting on the findings, Matt Claxton planning director at Tritax Symmetry said: “The potential for transformational growth is only achievable if the logistics sector is able to operate effectively and grow so we need to address these issues as a matter of priority. “If these are resolved we have the potential to increase productivity and employment in the North, closing the prosperity gap between it and the rest of England. Logistics is an economic enabling sector, and if this growth is stymied or not supported, then the growth potential of other sectors will likewise be curtailed.” David Diggle, director, planning at Turley continues: “Over the three years to 2018, 15,000 logistics jobs were created in the Northern Powerhouse which is already in line with the ‘transformational scenario’ outlined so it would certainly seem that the Northern Powerhouse is capable of achieving this potential but we need to tackle these areas to ensure we maximise the opportunity for growth.” Speaking about the report’s recommendations Amy Gilham, director, economics at Turley said: “Based on our findings, we have made six key recommendations which will support growth in the logistics sector. The recommendations which include a holistic consideration of logistics space within urban centre development, the quick adoption of strategic spatial plans and ensuring appropriate and adequate allocation of sites for B8 uses, will enable transformational growth of the Northern Powerhouse. “ The Northern Powerhouse region is already home to 25% of the UK’s logistics businesses employing more than 263,000 people. With 12,350 warehouse properties (31% of all properties in England) totalling 538m sq ft (32% of all in England) it has seen an 80% business growth in the five years to 2019. Some of the report’s key findings include: Supply While the North West has the second largest supply of large units of the UK’s regions, the five year average take up of grade A space indicates that there is just 1.45 years left of supply in this area. Speculative development has continued in the region for units over 100,000sqft though generally there is a limited development pipeline of larger units. In Yorkshire and the North East, a record level of take up in 2018 has led to a decline in available supply. In South Yorkshire demand for medium-sized units has increased and activity for larger units has been driven by single transactions such as Amazon at Doncaster iPort. There is a shortage of supply of units under 20,000 sq ft and limited availability of mid-sized units. In West Yorkshire there is supply of around 1.7m sq ft for units over 50,000 sq ft due to continued take up and limited speculative development. The North East is seeing a decline in the supply of large units, particular Grade A, given limited development activity. Skills The logistics industry is made up of many different parts that perform very different functions, and this results in a variety of employment opportunities, both skilled and unskilled, on a full time and part time basis. As the logistics sector becomes increasingly automated there is a need for a greater range of skills within the sector, including IT and engineering. Some steps are already being taken to address the skills gap with developers, occupiers and further/higher education providers working together to develop logistics-specific curriculums as part of the delivery of large new logistics sites. Logistics developers are also working closely with LPAs, local business groups, colleges and skills and training organisations to deliver Training and Employment Management Plans, in order to ensure jobs, training and work experience opportunities are realised for the local area for the lifetime of the development. Leaders of the Northern Powerhouse will need to continue to work with skills and training providers to ensure that the workforce’s skills are well matched to employer requirements. Infrastructure The northern ports are facing a number of challenges around finding suitable land for expansion of existing operations, particularly in relation to port access via road and rail. Digital connectivity (high speed broadband) and power supply are commonly cited by logistics operators as barriers in seeking new sites and premises from which to operate. Improvements to routes which join ports to national transport networks are also required. These include road and rail which at present can be slow and unreliable, further reducing competitiveness. Dedicated air cargo services are currently limited which means that much of the air freight which arrives or departs from the North of England is moved by road. Introduction of dedicated cargo services, or a greater number of long haul passenger services, will help generate
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson is due to start highway infrastructure works this August as part of the £2.4million re-development of a mixed-use business park site in Skegness for Lincolnshire County Council, via the Scape Regional Construction framework. Works at the Skegness Industrial Estate located to the west of the town, close to main routes such as the A52 include the construction of a new highway link to join up two parts of the existing industrial estate, which will allow for the expansion of the park site onto the surrounding agricultural land. The preparation works will enable the current site to be more easily accessible for multiple business functions in future, to accommodate speculative builds or purpose-built units for a range of private clients, including local seasonal companies in Skegness for storage needs. As well as a new 4,000m2 access road, there will also be a foul water pump station that will service the land, as well as water and electric service ducts to allow services to be easily brought onto the site in future and LED street lighting to current standards. Expected to be complete in spring 2021, the redeveloped business park site will span six hectares, which includes the current existing main industrial site and surrounding road infrastructure that is being opened up for future development. G F Tomlinson has worked on numerous projects for Lincolnshire County Council in the past, including heritage works for Lincoln Castle and in the education sector – the refurbishment of school buildings at Lincoln Castle Academy and Monks Abbey Primary School, the construction of a new two storey Science and ICT building at Walton High School in Grantham, as part of its expansion and transition from an all-girls school to a coeducational secondary school, and the refurbishment of the disused former Mablethorpe Tennyson High School, to create the Springwell Alternative Academy in Mablethorpe. Managing director of G F Tomlinson, Andy Sewards, said: “We’re delighted to announce the commencement of infrastructure works this August for the redevelopment of the existing business park site in Skegness. The works will ensure accessibility to the site and existing industrial estate and will facilitate potential for economic development for the town, providing quality space with access to agricultural land for a number of businesses in the vicinity, or for those looking to relocate to the Skegness area. “We have a solid, longstanding relationship with our client, Lincolnshire County Council, and have worked with them for numerous projects and developments since 2012 when we did the first of the waste transfer stations. We look forward to seeing this project through from its summer start to finish, which is expected at the beginning of next year.” Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The expansion of the business park is a big confidence boost for our coast. Diversifying the economy in the area will provide more year-round employment as well as allowing local businesses to expand or re-locate. “The site will be suitable for a wide range of business needs and usage, including purpose-built units for many different companies, and will encourage future investment. By boosting investment and creating jobs, there will be benefits throughout the wider area.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “G F Tomlinson has a long-standing relationship with Lincolnshire County Council and it is great to see that they are utilising the speed and efficiency of the Regional Construction framework for the infrastructure works at the Skegness Industrial Estate, ensuring it is fit for expansion will bring investment to the local area, helping with the town’s economic recovery and future development.”
CBRE Global Investors Buys 3 Units At Leeds Logistics Park CBRE Global Investors has acquired 3 units totalling 119,500 sq ft from CDP Marshall at the flagship 62 Leeds logistics hub, demonstrating the continued high level of demand for prime mid-box units in the regional industrial sector. The acquisition includes the investment of the 42,000 sq ft Unit 5 which is let to Johnsons Apparelmaster Ltd for 15 years, along with the 57,500 sq ft Unit 6 and the 20,000 sq ft Unit 7 which are both currently under construction and scheduled for completion in September 2020. 62 Leeds is an established industrial/warehouse development on Geldard Road by J27 of the M62 and is home to high-profile occupiers including Lidl, Unitrunk, Johnsons Dry Cleaners and Turners Accident Repair Centres. CBRE Global Investors was advised by Carrick Real Estate and the joint agency team of CBRE and Carter Towler represented CDP Marshall in the transaction. Sophie Angus, Associate Director at CBRE Leeds, said; “CBRE GI’s acquisition at 62 Leeds reflects the strength and confidence in the regional industrial and logistics market and prime detached warehouse units such as these are in very short supply. As such, the new units becoming available in September will be extremely well received by the occupier market.”
HelloFresh signs lease for 230,384 sq ft distribution warehouse New production facility to enable UK growth for the world-leading meal kit company Prime location to provide access to 55.9 million consumers in four-hour drivetime1 The leading global provider of fresh food at home, HelloFresh, has leased 230,384 sq ft of high-quality logistics space at Goodman’s Nuneaton 230 development. Headquartered in Berlin, the company produces and delivers meal kits that allow consumers to cook home-made, healthy meals with no preparation, shopping or hassle. Its new Nuneaton site will become HelloFresh’s second UK production facility, supporting its continued success in the UK. With strong results in the market pre-COVID-19, the exponential growth of food deliveries during lockdown and a growing demand for fresh meals to enjoy at home has accelerated expansion. The location will receive produce and packaging from local and national suppliers, assembling the fresh ingredients in the meal kits and distributing these to consumers across the country. The site’s excellent connectivity, which places 55.9 million consumers within a four-hour drivetime, makes the location ideally suited to national fulfilment and fresh food delivery. HelloFresh delivered more than 280 million meals in 2019, reaching over four million customers in the last quarter. It is one of the largest players globally in the meal kit market, now operating in thirteen countries across three continents. It joins a number of leading retailers, manufacturers and third-party logistics providers at this established industrial and distribution hub – including supply chain specialists XPO and Unipart, automotive manufacturer Renault Trucks, and food and drink wholesaler Bestway. Nigel Dolan, Development Director at Goodman, said: “We’re proud to welcome HelloFresh to our Nuneaton 230 development. Its innovative business model leads the way in both the healthy home cooking and subscription service revolution and we’re pleased to be able support the growth of its UK production and fulfilment network.” In line with HelloFresh’s commitment to the highest quality fresh produce, the facility will provide frozen, chilled and ambient storage capacity, and highly flexible warehouse space to suit its production and packing methods. Nigel continued: “With the development now complete, we look forward to seeing HelloFresh benefit from the property’s best in class specification, combined with its excellent transport links and local employment opportunities. These include a large labour pool consisting of three million people within 20 miles of Nuneaton town centre, with Bermuda Park railway station directly serving the site and providing a great option for employees to travel to and from work.” Councillor Julie Jackson, Leader of Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, said: “We’re thrilled to see Goodman welcome HelloFresh to this prime logistics development at Bermuda Park, living up to its promise of delivering a quality space for business that takes advantage of our excellent connectivity. “The development supports our Transforming Nuneaton initiative with Warwickshire County Council, geared at driving economic growth, attracting additional investment and realising new business opportunities for the local area. We’re excited to see HelloFresh benefit from the rich employment opportunities and prime position of Bermuda Park.” 1 Source: Esri and Michael Bauer Research, 2019
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.
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.”
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”.
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.
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
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.