Commercial : Industrial News

Construction begins on new hangar at London Biggin Hill Airport

STRUCTURAL steel firm John Reid & Sons Ltd (REIDsteel) and design and build specialists Civils Contracting Ltd (Civils) have started work on another major new business aircraft service centre at London Biggin Hill Airport. The REIDsteel and Civils partnership has been successfully delivering aircraft hangars for over 20 years. The

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NSM APPOINTED TO MANAGE MAGNA 34 BUSINESS PARK

NSM has been appointed by InfraRed Capital Partners to property and asset manage its Magna 34 Business Park.  An industrial scheme near Sheffield, NSM will also provide agency services, helping to secure new tenants for the forthcoming multi-million pound development.  Magna 34 Business Park comprises of a mixture of units

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NSM completes South Yorkshire letting to Hermes in a record five days

Industrial asset management specialist NSM has let an additional unit to global logistics giant Hermes –  with the deal from initial enquiry to occupation taking just five days. As demand for logistic and industrial space grows during the covid-19 crisis, NSM was initially approached by Hermes with a speculative enquiry

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£3million industrial development completes in Leeds

On behalf of Towngate Plc, Caddick Construction has completed a 57,500 sq ft speculative industrial development at Cross Green Industrial Estate, which is set to accommodate around 115 jobs. This is the third unit to complete at the site. Caddick Construction successfully delivered the first two units as part of

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Gazeley Eco-Template 2 Sustainable Warehouse

Chetwoods have designed this scheme for an iconic national distribution centre that aims to be the ‘most sustainable warehouse in the world’. Commissioned by logistics developers Gazeley, the scheme seeks to enhance its environment and improve the health and wellbeing of its occupants. The building and the landscape which surround

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

New world leading Global Technology Centre for GKN Aerospace handed over at premier south west development

The new facility the latest building to be completed at popular and successful Horizon-38 mixed use development site at Filton in Bristol St Francis Group together with its development partner iSec has today announced that it has completed and handed over a new built to suit Global Technology Centre for GKN Aerospace at its Horizon-38 scheme at Filton in North Bristol. The state-of-the-art facility which comprises of a highly bespoke, built to suit facility extending to 110,000 sq. ft including 40,000 sq. ft of Grade A office accommodation has been pre-let to GKN Aerospace with funding provided by BP Pension Fund. Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd were the contractor, completing construction and handing over this week despite exceptional circumstances at this difficult time. Talking about the project Gareth Williams, Development Director at St Francis Group said: “When we were presented in 2017 with GKN Aerospace’s vision for a network of regional technology centres across the globe it was clear that this could be one of our more exciting development projects. It hasn’t let us down. We are delighted that Horizon-38 was selected as the location for this centre of excellence and for St Francis Group and iSec to have played a key role in the continued promotion of GKN Aerospace as a leading technology led global business.” Going on to say “The Global Technology Centre will enable GKN Aerospace to create a world leading facility for research particularly in the areas of wing configuration and construction, meaning intellectual property, skills and knowledge is retained in the UK. Also commenting, Jane Leedham, Estates Director at GKN Aerospace said: “For such a high-profile project with a continually evolving brief, it was essential that we found a development partner with a delivery team that was both flexible and extremely capable. In return for a long-term commitment from GKN Aerospace, we were able to secure a bespoke research and development facility to rival all others.” Horizon38 was acquired by a joint venture between St Francis Group and iSec late in 2015 and since then nearly 500,000 sq ft of new high-quality warehouse space has been built in addition to a new Village hotel and Selco trade counters. A new Sytner Car Shop is under construction and a further pre-let just announced with Volvo Cars UK for a new flagship car dealership For further information visit : https://horizon38.com/

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Construction begins on new hangar at London Biggin Hill Airport

STRUCTURAL steel firm John Reid & Sons Ltd (REIDsteel) and design and build specialists Civils Contracting Ltd (Civils) have started work on another major new business aircraft service centre at London Biggin Hill Airport. The REIDsteel and Civils partnership has been successfully delivering aircraft hangars for over 20 years. The state-of-the-art development for Bombardier Aviation will comprise a hangar of nearly 250,000 sq ft, including workshops and office space, plus 650,000 sq ft of apron area, car park and external works. The service centre will be capable of housing up to 14 Global 7500s at any one time, and provides a significant expansion of Bombardier’s service facilities at London Biggin Hill Airport. Dorset-based REIDsteel is providing design, drawing, fabrication and construction services for all steelwork, wall cladding, roof cladding, glazing and hangar doors – for main contractor Civils Contracting Ltd. Civils has already started the site works with extensive clearance, reduced dig and ground engineering works. The first steel reinforced cages are now being installed in readiness for the pouring of the foundations which have to resist the 2000T uplift loads that the 45m cantilever rafter trusses will create. The development is due to complete in 2022. REIDsteel Project Director Richard Hanson said: “From our early beginnings making hangars for the famous French airman Louis Bleriot, REIDsteel has worked with aviation pioneers. “We are proud to support Bombardier and London Biggin Hill on this latest, exciting development with Civils Contracting Ltd. “It highlights our ability to provide more than just the steel frame with design, fabrication and construction of essential parts of the building envelope, including cladding, curtain walling, decking and our own aircraft hangar doors. “Civils has an exceptional reputation and hold values to match our own. We are delighted to be working with them once again.” The new service centre will be REIDsteel’s 11th hangar at the airfield. It will use products sources from its primary/preferred supplier British Steel, including 1600 tonnes of steel and 300,000 sq ft of cladding. Nick Weaver, Civils Project Director, said: “The development of this state-of-the-art service centre marks another phase in the impressive growth of both Bombardier and London Biggin Hill Airport. “They are both icons of aviation, and we are delighted to support their commitment to providing customers with industry leading services. “Together with REIDsteel, we look forward to delivering a high-specification development which will represent a major investment in the region and boost for the economy.” Tonbridge-based Civils, founded in 1997, provides construction services across a wide variety of sectors, including industrial buildings, health and medical centre development, car parks, hangars, stores, commercial units and residential property. REIDsteel specialises in providing entire steel frame and building envelope solutions all under one roof. Thanks to its in-house capabilities and expertise, it is regularly contracted to design, manufacture and supply complete steel structures including the cladding, glazing, louvres and staircases for projects anywhere in the UK,  Europe and across the world. Visit www.reidsteel.com for more details.

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NSM LETS FINAL UNITS AT PLATINUM COURT, ALCHEMY BUSINESS PARK, KNOWSLEY

Industrial asset management specialists NSM has fully let Platinum Court, on the Alchemy Business Park, Knowsley, securing The Vella Group for the last two vacant units on a 10-year lease. Terms have been agreed for the 15,700 sq. ft, space with the family-owned Group, one of the largest independent vehicle repair groups in the UK. With seven other sites stretching from Leominster to Workington, a prominent Knowsley branch will help strengthen The Vella Group’s growing regional network. NSM Head of Property for the North West, Dave Harrison said: “Now fully let, the scheme is helping to regenerate a significantly deprived area and create new job opportunities for local people. The Vella Group has an excellent reputation both as an employer and quality repair business and we are delighted that they have committed to Platinum Court.” As part of Alchemy Business Park, Platinum Court is conveniently located just off the A580, and less than 0.5miles from the M57. The high-quality development comprises 10 units giving a total of 93,000 sq. ft of industrial space, with units ranging from 6,775 to 21,363 sq. ft. for B1, B2 & B8 light and general industrial and warehousing uses. Each unit has its own secure gated yards and alarm systems as well as being covered by the wider estate’s CCTV security network. Heating to the industrial units is via roof mounted gas fired blown warm air units whilst the offices are individually thermostatically controlled for work space comfort and convenience. The Vella Group Operations Director, Mike Sarsfield added: “As part of our ongoing growth plans, we wanted to expand our footprint into the Liverpool area. The location of Platinum Court provides with great access to the greater Liverpool area, and also further afield with the M58 close by. The premises itself is modern, secure and really fits with the image we want to portray for a professional repair centre. I would like to thank the NSM team for what has been a smooth and supportive experience getting into the new site, it’s very much appreciated.” The Vella Group will join existing tenants Smith News Trading Ltd, National Grid Gas PLC and Applied Medical UK Ltd.  As an industrial asset management specialist NSM managing more than 4.3million sq. ft of industrial property across the north. It currently looks after 460 units nationally with a rent roll in excess of £14m. About NSM: NSM manages over 4 million sq. ft of industrial property across the north of England. Looking after 460 units and a rent roll in excess of £14million. The value of the assets under management is estimated at £237 million. Formerly part of Network Space, in 2019 NSM launched as an independent business. Based in Doncaster and Warrington, NSM provides property and asset management, agency and property consultancy advice to a range of clients across the north of England.

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NSM APPOINTED TO MANAGE MAGNA 34 BUSINESS PARK

NSM has been appointed by InfraRed Capital Partners to property and asset manage its Magna 34 Business Park.  An industrial scheme near Sheffield, NSM will also provide agency services, helping to secure new tenants for the forthcoming multi-million pound development.  Magna 34 Business Park comprises of a mixture of units totalling in excess of 120,000 sq ft, which includes two existing units that are already occupied comprising 47,000 sq ft. A stand-alone 35,000 sq ft new build and a further 40,000 sq ft, which will be developed as a smaller multi-let industrial scheme providing units ranging in size from 2,000 to 4,500 sq ft, will soon be delivered. This is thought to be one of the only small to medium sized speculative industrial developments in the local area to come forwards in 2020, as the only other scheme underway provides in excess of 5,000 sq ft units.  Helen Gordon, Associate Director at NSM, said: “Magna 34 is an established business park with a high profile location close to Sheffield and Rotherham, with easy access to the M1. There is a shortage of industrial land and with most developers focusing on larger units, there is significant demand for businesses seeking well-located space for small and medium sized enterprises. As a result, I expect this new development at Magna 34 will be very popular.” Planning has already been secured for the 35,000 sq ft unit and, subject to planning permission being secured for the smaller units, construction work will commence within the next three to six months. It is expected to be a nine month build programme. Magna 34 is a well-established business park on Sheffield Road close to Junction 34, M1 and offers easy access to Sheffield. It is already home to occupiers including Parcelforce, UK Mail and Element Materials Technology Sheffield Ltd. This additional 122,000 sq ft of space will be property and asset managed by the Yorkshire based NSM team, adding value to InfraRed’s portfolio. NSM already looks after £237.5 million of property assets across more than 4million sq ft of space comprising 669 industrial properties in the north of England.

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NSM completes South Yorkshire letting to Hermes in a record five days

Industrial asset management specialist NSM has let an additional unit to global logistics giant Hermes –  with the deal from initial enquiry to occupation taking just five days. As demand for logistic and industrial space grows during the covid-19 crisis, NSM was initially approached by Hermes with a speculative enquiry on Monday April 27 for expansion space at the Vector 31 Industrial Park, close to Junction 31 of the M1. A viewing was arranged, and Head of Terms were finalised within 24 hours. The lease was agreed and signed a day later with Hermes taking occupation of the 11,650 sq. ft unit on Friday May 1st. NSM Managing Director Nicky Jones said: “Demand for quality logistics and industrial space is huge at the moment but even in our most optimistic moment we never thought we would be able to deliver a deal like this in such a tight timeframe. I am incredibly proud of the NSM team and our partners for making a 5-day turnaround possible, it really shows how agile our business is. “We are obviously delighted to assist a current tenant and we have also been able to offer flexible leasing terms that suit their current business demands.” Vector 31 offers nine high quality modern industrial units with gated yards, centrally heated offices, dedicated car parking, heating and lighting in the warehousing areas, as well as 7m high eaves. As an industrial asset management specialist NSM manages more than 4.3million sq. ft of industrial property across the north. It currently looks after 669 units nationally with a rent roll in excess of £14m. David McPherson, Head of Depots said “We’re delighted that NSM has been able to support Hermes with a quick turnaround on the letting. Our business is incredibly agile and needs to have the ability to quickly scale up when demand is high, the pandemic has accelerated the shift from the high street to online. Additional pop-up depots like these give us the opportunity to operate safely and continue to support our clients so we can meet demand from the end customer and in turn support the government’s guidance to stay home wherever possible.”

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GAZELEY LEASES 186,000 SQ FT UNIT AT MAGNA PARK LUTTERWORTH TO BLECKMANN

Gazeley, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the lease of a 186,000 SQ FT unit at its Magna Park Lutterworth site to Bleckmann, a market leader in Supply Chain Management (SCM) services for the fashion and lifestyle brands. The unit has been leased on a long term lease and will serve as Bleckmann’s new distribution centre in the UK. Tornado 186 is a 186,000 SQ FT unit and has been designed to include a range of leading sustainability features, including online energy dashboards to help customers monitor energy usage, as well as rainwater harvesting and technology to optimise the use of natural light. Magna Park Lutterworth is the UK’s first and Europe’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution park. It is currently undergoing development to expand the park from 9 million SQ FT of floor space to nearly 16 million SQ FT in the coming years. Gazeley is also developing a series of new amenities, including wellness and recreation facilities as well as the new Logistics Institute of Technology (LIT). Magna Park, Lutterworth benefits from excellent transport links to the rest of the UK, with 59.3 million people, or 85% of the UK population, within a four hour drive of the development as a result of its easy access to the M1, M6 and M69 motorways. Joe Garwood, Development Director, Gazeley, said: “We are delighted to announce Bleckmann as the newest member of our customer community and look forward to growing our partnership with them in the years to come”. Situated in the heart of the “UK’s Logistics Golden Triangle”, Magna Park Lutterworth is an iconic development, ideally suited to serve the fast-expanding supply chain operations of today’s distribution companies. Four further units on our Magna Park South Lutterworth comprising 746,000 SQ FT, 300,000 SQ FT, 126,000 SQ FT and 98,000 SQ FT will be available for occupancy in Autumn 2020.”

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£3million industrial development completes in Leeds

On behalf of Towngate Plc, Caddick Construction has completed a 57,500 sq ft speculative industrial development at Cross Green Industrial Estate, which is set to accommodate around 115 jobs. This is the third unit to complete at the site. Caddick Construction successfully delivered the first two units as part of the Towngate Link project, with both being snapped up as pre-lets by wine merchant, London City Bond and Beerhawk. The construction team is also on site delivering a further 17,000 sq ft detached double portal framed building which is due to complete in June 2020. Robert Smith from Towngate Plc said: “Caddick Construction has delivered this third unit to the same high-quality as our earlier phases and as a result is generating a lot of interest in the market. With very little prime industrial space to satisfy the needs of small and medium sized businesses, both this and the well-progressed Towngate Link 5 are set to let swiftly.” Chris Allott, Senior Contracts Manager from Caddick Construction, said: “Towngate Link is a very successful and popular development and the team is pleased to continue to support its expansion.” Cross Green Industrial Estate is just a mile from the M1/M621 motorway and Leeds City Centre. It is one of the city’s largest industrial estates and home to many manufacturing, distribution and warehousing operations, including John Lewis and Amazon. Approximately 3,000 people work at the site.

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NETWORK SPACE COMPLETE LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE INDUSTRIAL SCHEME ON BEHALF OF INFRARED

Leading commercial real estate developer Network Space has completed the industrial scheme Central 23 located on the northern fringe of Liverpool City Centre. Constructed on behalf of global investors Infrared Capital Partners, the 1.75-acre brownfield site provides a single 23,500 sq. ft industrial unit complete with substantial office provision, significant power capacity, fibre broadband and generous on-site car parking provision within a self-contained and secure yard. The site benefits from an additional service area to the rear offering rare additional parking and storage capacity. Ideally located for easy access to the City centre and surrounds, it sits off the junction with the A5038 Vauxhall Road and Leeds Street, adjacent to the City’s new creative district of Ten Streets and in close proximity to Liverpool Docks & L2 deep port to the north. Network Space Senior Development Manager Catherine Chilvers said: “Provision of prominent and accessible industrial warehouse space of this size and quality, so close to the city centre is a rarity. The scheme’s position on the fringe of the City Centre means the development is perfectly placed to appeal to a wide range of businesses and urban logistic operators who require access into the City and wider conurbation. “There is a known shortage of modern, high quality, self-contained and accessible industrial accommodation across the Liverpool City Region and the level of interest already been shown in Central 23 is extremely encouraging.” Dean Harrison, Investment Director from Infrared Capital Partners, added: “Upon completion of Central 23, its ownership transferred to InfraRed Capital Partners which acquired the site as part of a £93 million deal with Network Space in 2018. Since 2018, the portfolio has been materially expanded through a selective acquisition strategy targeting last mile delivery occupiers. The portfolio, located within the Northern Powerhouse cities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield, now extends to 1.4m sq ft in 32 urban logistics assets with construction having commenced on an additional two multi-let industrial estates.” Construction partners on Central 23 were Caddick Construction, Architectural and Engineering services were provided by WYG, with Quantity Surveyors Walker Sime. Agents for the scheme are CBRE and DTRE.

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Massive Warehouse Development is Set To Create Over 2,250 Jobs In Derbyshire

A massive new development, to be called Horizon29, will create more than 2,250 warehouse jobs in Derbyshire, according to developers and investors. To consist of five warehouses covering a total space of over 800,000 square feet, the project in Derbyshire’s Chesterfield has now received planning permission and is all set to go ahead. The warehousing development is to be built near the M1’s Junction 29A in the Markham Vale area of Chesterfield and will create thousands of jobs for the region. Developers iSec and the St. Francis Group say they are hoping to fill the site with businesses from the manufacturing, logistics and industrial sectors and will have some plots ready for operation as early as next year. Once the two phases of the Horizon29 development are complete, the developers estimate that 2,253 full or part time jobs in Derbyshire will be created. The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership is a major investor in the Derbyshire project. Giving an update on the development, the LEP’s Chief Executive, Sajeeda Rose, said: “I’m pleased to see the first phase of the Horizon29 development progressing well. As thoughts turn to how our region recovers from the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, projects like Horizon29 will be key in supporting our regional economy recovering and creating jobs for our people and communities.” Development Director for iSec, Nigel Lax, also commented, saying: “As well as stimulating significant local job opportunities, we also expect the scheme to stimulate fresh inward investment in the area, giving a significant boost to the local economy. At 1.4 million sq ft in total, the scheme will play a national role in the ever-expanding logistics market, based on rapidly increasing demand from e-commerce.” “Horizon29 will be opening for business and available to logistics and manufacturing companies looking to return to some degree of normality in the not too distant future and capitalises on an outstanding location close to Sheffield, Chesterfield, Nottingham and Derby,” added Mr Lax.

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Gazeley Eco-Template 2 Sustainable Warehouse

Chetwoods have designed this scheme for an iconic national distribution centre that aims to be the ‘most sustainable warehouse in the world’. Commissioned by logistics developers Gazeley, the scheme seeks to enhance its environment and improve the health and wellbeing of its occupants. The building and the landscape which surround it act as one entity, each benefiting from the other in a symbiotic way.  The native flora and fauna spills into the site, and the landscaping is either edible, encouraging pollinators, or used for recreational purposes. The project continues our long-term work with Gazeley on its ‘Route to Net Zero’ sustainability roadmap, which outlines the vision for creating the world’s most innovative sustainable buildings. Graeme Munro, head of construction Europe, Gazeley: “We’ve worked with Chetwoods for the last 30 years and their specialist environmental sustainability and wellbeing knowledge was key to developing our Route to Net Zero. Thrive is the perfect partner to help us realise our sustainability goals.”

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