Panattoni signs biggest speculative letting in South East this year
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has signed a lease agreement with ID Logistics Group, the international contract logistics group, for the 440,167 sq ft speculative unit at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne. The letting of S440 has been recognised as the largest deal signing this year in the South East. The letting secures a significant commitment in one of the South East’s most strategically positioned logistics corridors and reflects sustained occupier demand for large scale, future proofed distribution space in a supply constrained market. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is located approximately four miles from Junction 5 of the M2, positioned between London and the Port of Dover. The location provides swift access to the M2, M20 and M25, and strong connectivity to key international and maritime gateways including London Thamesport, Dover and the Port of Tilbury. This strategic positioning supports both national distribution and port linked logistics, with rapid reach to population centres across the South East and wider UK. ID Logistics is a global customer of Panattoni’s, with operations across several European markets. This latest lease deal at Sittingbourne increases the total space occupied by ID Logistics within Panattoni Parks to more than 1.8 million sq ft across Europe. Panattoni continues to support the expansion of its clients’ operations by delivering new, future-ready facilities, and is pleased to welcome ID Logistics back to the portfolio. ID Logistics are expected to occupy the building from early Jan 2026 and will benefit from 15 metre clear internal height, extensive dock and level access provision, and a 50 metre contained service yard designed for high throughput operations. The building also benefits from exceptional power availability, and additional on-site generation from roof mounted solar PV included within the base specification. The facility forms part of Panattoni’s net zero carbon development strategy and targets best in class ESG performance. It combines occupational efficiency with long term decarbonisation benefits for ID Logistics operations, supporting resilient and lower carbon supply chains. Alex Mitchell, Associate Development Director: South East & London, said: “It is great for us to secure such a significant letting this year. Securing ID Logistics at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is a major endorsement of the park’s scale, specification, and location. In a South East market where large, high quality space is increasingly hard to find, this letting demonstrates the depth of occupier demand for immediate, future ready capacity along the M2 corridor. “S440 has been designed to support the operational intensity and resilience that global logistics groups now require, combining exceptional internal height, yard provision and power with a net zero carbon development approach. Sittingbourne offers outstanding connectivity to London, the national motorway network and key port gateways, making it an ideal platform for the next phase of ID Logistics growth in the UK.” Stuart Evans Managing Director of ID Logistics UK said: “Our collaboration with Panattoni on the Sittingbourne site reflects our long-term commitment to the strategic growth of ID Logistics in the UK. This facility will enhance our e commerce operational capabilities and support the economic growth in the local area.” Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, has one speculative unit remaining, comprising 205,000 sq ft which is ready for immediate tenant fit out. Located at the industrial estate is Morrisons that occupy over 1.7million sq ft of space and DPD which Panattoni pre-let on a D&B basis earlier this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KPF-Designed Redevelopment of Former BHS and UAL Site Wins Approval from Westminster Council
Plans to transform the former BHS store and University of the Arts London College of Fashion site on Oxford Street have been unanimously approved by Westminster City Council, paving the way for a major mixed-use scheme in the heart of the West End. Located at 33 Cavendish Square, the redevelopment will deliver around 800,000 sq ft of high-quality office space, 102,000 sq ft of retail floorspace, and 38,000 sq ft dedicated to cultural and creative uses. The cultural offering will include an auditorium and flexible event areas intended to support exhibitions, launches, performances and a wide range of public-facing activities. The new office accommodation aims to set a benchmark for modern workplace design, with the scheme targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’. The entire development will operate on fully electric systems, align with net-zero carbon ambitions, and include more than 1,000 cycle parking spaces to promote sustainable travel. John Bushell, principal at KPF, said the team was delighted to secure planning approval for a project that captures the vibrancy and character of the West End. He noted that the design blends world-class retail with contemporary workspaces and cultural venues capable of hosting everything from major product launches to conferences. Bushell added that the scheme will reinforce Oxford Street’s global reputation while delivering lasting benefits to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction is expected to begin in 2029, with completion anticipated in 2033. Once delivered, the development will bring new life to a prominent Oxford Street block, replacing outdated structures with a landmark destination for commerce, creativity and culture. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IQ Secures Approval for £100m Student Redevelopment of Former Blackfriars Crown Court
Specialist student accommodation developer IQ has received planning approval to demolish the former Blackfriars Crown Court in Southwark and replace it with a £100m purpose-built student living scheme. The proposals will transform the long-derelict site on Loman Street into a development of 600 student rooms alongside 71 affordable homes. The disused post-war complex on Pocock Street was originally constructed as a printworks for HM Stationery Office before later becoming Blackfriars Crown Court, which closed its doors in 2019. Since then, the building has remained empty, aside from a brief appearance as a filming location for the Netflix series Top Boy. IQ’s plans will see the structure demolished to make way for three new blocks rising to around nine storeys. Southwark Council’s decision grants the developer full consent for a comprehensive redevelopment of the site, replacing an earlier adaptive-reuse concept brought forward in 2020 by previous owner Fabrix with architectural designs by Studio RHE. That earlier vision, known as Roots in the Sky, proposed retaining the existing 1950s structure and adding new upper floors to accommodate offices, leisure uses, retail and a striking rooftop garden complete with pavilions and a glass-bottomed pool. The 430,000 sq ft project had been due to be built by Mace. Under IQ’s ownership, the strategy has shifted decisively towards delivering much-needed student accommodation and affordable homes. The approved plans introduce two new blocks arranged around a landscaped pedestrian route designed to reconnect Loman Street and Pocock Street, improving permeability and strengthening links within the neighbourhood. A dedicated residential block will deliver 71 homes for social rent, including street-facing duplexes to activate the frontage and contribute to a more vibrant streetscape. Deck-access upper levels will ensure the homes are dual aspect, enhancing natural light and ventilation. The student accommodation block takes inspiration from local warehouse and brick-built architecture, featuring textured façades, strong horizontal detailing and an open ground floor that provides views into shared gardens and communal areas. The design aims to complement the area’s character while creating a contemporary living environment for students. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, following further procurement activity. The redevelopment marks a major step in bringing a long-vacant site back into productive use, while helping to meet growing demand for student and affordable housing in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundbreaking ceremony marks major step forward in Wrexham AFC’s new Kop Stand redevelopment
Wrexham AFC have officially broken ground on the redevelopment of the Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras, marking the beginning of the full construction phase of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the Club’s history. The ceremony, held on 4 December brought together representatives from the Club, Wrexham County Borough Council, McLaren Construction Midlands and North, the Welsh Government, Wrexham University alongside wider stakeholders from the Wrexham Gateway Partnership. The groundbreaking is a landmark moment in the long-awaited return of the Kop Stand and signals the transition from extensive early site preparation to the main build programme. The new stand, set for completion during the 2026/27 season, will restore the stadium to a four-sided configuration, increase capacity to just over 18,000 and enable the STōK Cae Ras to achieve UEFA Category 4 compliance. Since McLaren Construction’s appointment under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement earlier this year, the project team has completed a comprehensive suite of enabling works to prepare the historic site for full construction. These works have included establishing the early-phase compound and welfare facilities, completing the reduced-level dig and stabilised construction platform, installing the piling mat, relocating and upgrading hoarding, forming a permanent safe walkway from the Wrexham Lager Stand, creating construction access routes and crane platforms and commencing the piling operations that will continue into the early new year. Delivery of the main site offices and welfare accommodation has also been completed ahead of the full construction programme progressing. The project will now move into its principal construction period, with the breakout piles, casting of foundations all commencing through December and into January, and the start of reinforced concrete lift cores, that will support the new structural steel frame along with the foundation. Work will also progress on internal service ducting, drainage and preparation of the main ground floor slab. In early 2026, slip formed reinforced concrete cores will be constructed to provide stability for the roof structure. The steel frame, which comprises approximately 1,500 tonnes of steel including major long-lead tubular truss sections, is scheduled to begin rising from early spring. Installation of precast concrete terrace units will follow before roofing and façade works, internal fit-out and systems installation continue through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. The project team has worked closely with partners to address the complexities of building a major new stand within a live, operational and historically sensitive stadium environment. A detailed sequencing strategy has been developed to manage trade movements and construction operations within the tight site footprint, while logistics planning has been coordinated with Wrexham County Borough Council, Wrexham University and nearby businesses to minimise disruption. A comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan underpins this process, ensuring that the construction programme is delivered safely and responsibly. The new Kop Stand will deliver modern concourses, improved accessibility routes, upgraded media and broadcast facilities, and enhanced back-of-house and matchday operations. Its design is being driven by UEFA standards, Safety Advisory Group requirements and the latest Green Guide principles, ensuring the new structure not only meets regulatory expectations but significantly enhances the supporter experience and long-term operational efficiency of the stadium. Joel Casstles, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of an exciting phase for Wrexham AFC and for the city. The scale and complexity of the new Kop Stand are significant, especially on a historic and operational site, but the progress made to date means we are entering the main build with confidence. “This stand will transform the stadium and deliver a new gateway to Wrexham, which the whole community can be proud of. We are committed to ensuring the project creates local opportunities and leaves a lasting legacy for supporters and residents alike.” Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: “Breaking ground on the new Kop Stand is a hugely significant moment for the Club and our supporters. The Kop has always held deep importance, and today’s ceremony marks the beginning of its long-awaited return. Over the coming months, fans will see the structure take shape as we build a stand that enhances capacity, improves facilities and secures the future of the STōK Cae Ras as a top-tier venue for domestic, international football and other sporting and entertainment events.” Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard said “The new Kop Stand marks a significant step forward for the Wrexham Gateway. We’ve worked closely with the club and partners to help shape the project that will see enhancements to the ground and improvements in connectivity that will open up new opportunities. Once in use, the stand will be a great vantage point to witness historic domestic and international games here in Wrexham, the spiritual home of Welsh Football.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Burges Salmon acts for Benniman on back-to-back transactions delivering major UK logistics and industrial projects
The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised Benniman on the creation of three new logistics and distribution facilities at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) in Northamptonshire. Totalling 618,000 sq ft, the schemes will deliver high-quality space and strengthen DIRFT’s position as a key hub for rail-connected logistics, supporting efficient supply chain operations and sustainable freight solutions. Further advice was provided across three other projects including on the construction of a c. 50,000 sq ft best-in-class industrial and warehousing estate in Reading, the development of eight industrial units in Milton Keynes totalling 200,765 sq ft., as well as recent work delivered for property developer Clowes Developments. The team also advised Benniman in relation to the construction of three industrial units in Birmingham on behalf of Coltham as well as a 57,000 sf ft unit in Worcester Six Business Park for Stoford. Christian Mulvihill, director at Burges Salmon, says: “We are delighted to have supported Benniman on these projects, which demonstrate the strength of the UK logistics and industrial sectors. Completing five transactions back-to-back within a short timeframe required careful co-ordination and a thorough understanding of contractual and regulatory issues. It is a testament to the strength and agility of our team that we were able to deliver seamless advice across multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring our client could move forward with confidence and efficiency.” Paul Barfoot, Commercial Director at Benniman, comments: “Delivering major projects concurrently was a significant undertaking, and Burges Salmon’s ability to manage the legal complexities was outstanding. Their proactive approach, responsiveness and sector expertise gave us the confidence to progress each development without delay.” With over 40 specialist lawyers working across the firm’s Built Environment, Infrastructure and Energy & Utilities sector groups, Burges Salmon has one of the largest construction and engineering legal teams in the UK and is a first port of call for highly complex and innovative projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green Light for Mercia Park Expansion Paving the Way for More Than 1,700 New Jobs
Plans to expand Leicestershire’s Mercia Park have been approved, opening the door to the creation of up to 1,720 new jobs. The employment hub, located close to Junction 11 of the M42, already houses JLR’s Global Logistics Centre. Developer IM Properties submitted the hybrid planning application for the next phase of growth. The site currently supports more than 2,500 jobs and is home to JLR’s Global Logistics Centre (operated by Unipart) as well as a major facility for international logistics specialist DSV. The proposed expansion, split across two development zones, will deliver significant new commercial space and is expected to accommodate between 1,000 and 1,720 additional roles once fully operational. The scheme is also projected to generate around £2.8m per year in business rates. Development Zone 1 includes approximately 611,000 sq ft of employment space, with a further 442,000 sq ft planned for Zone 2. A report to North West Leicestershire Council’s Planning Committee, which met on 9 December, stated that the development’s contribution to economic growth and its ability to meet immediate demand for high-quality business space made it a strong fit for the area’s social and economic needs. Councillors voted to approve the plans subject to conditions. Speaking when the application was submitted, Matthew Fox, planning director at IM Properties, said that Mercia Park had proven itself as a prime business location with excellent transport links, net-zero-ready buildings and a high-quality landscaped environment. He added that expanding the site would build on its success and deliver much-needed commercial space to support investment in Leicestershire. Richard Sykes, development director at IM Properties, welcomed the committee’s decision, saying it marked a key step towards unlocking new employment opportunities and boosting the economy of North West Leicestershire. With DSV already planning an additional facility within the scheme, he said the expansion is well placed to attract another major manufacturer or logistics operator to the remaining 450,000 sq ft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals