bdc magazine

BSW GROUP SEES TIMBER IN NEW LIGHT

BSW, the UK’s largest integrated forestry and sawmilling group, has unveiled its new brand, with an expanded vision of ‘seeing timber in new light’. The brand launch sees the group uniting its capabilities under a new, overarching, BSW Group brand, forging an integrated supply chain to create value and sustain

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5 Ways To Make Your HVAC Business More Productive

Businesses prosper when the whole team thrives for success. Every company needs to have a team that has the drive to keep improving efficiency and help in boosting productivity. But like any other business, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies can experience challenges, and sometimes demanding for productivity is

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689-HOME DEVELOPMENT NAMED AS FIRST THROUGH NEW PAGABO FRAMEWORK

A SIGNIFICANT housing project has been announced as the first large-scale project procured through national framework provider Pagabo’s Developer Led Framework. Southwark Council has selected Linkcity as developer for its Tustin Estate scheme, which will feature nearly 700 new homes. This includes 200 replacement council homes, around 50 shared equity

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Construction underway on DHL’s new Exeter service centre

Stoford is making progress on a new DHL parcel distribution service centre as part of the next phase of a job-creating logistics park in East Devon. Construction is underway on two new buildings that will deliver a combined 83,500 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park, on the

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Railpen and Wrenbridge secure major new occupier at Dartford X

Railpen and Wrenbridge have signed a major new occupier, Leathams Ltd, a food supplier and distributor, at Dartford X.  Leathams Ltd have taken a pre-let of 30,000 sq ft at the site. Dartford X covers nine-acres and was acquired by Railpen in December 2019. Railpen’s development partner Wrenbridge have delivered

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Selco secures Superbrands status

Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has been awarded ‘Superbrands’ status. Selco, which has undergone a major services and branch expansion in recent years, has been rewarded for enjoying an excellent reputation in the industry. Companies shortlisted for Superbrands accreditation are measured on three core areas

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COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL BOOSTS AGENCY TEAM AT INTEGRA 61

Citrus Durham has strengthened the agency team at Integra 61, the North East’s largest new logistics and manufacturing park, with the appointment of Colliers International to join existing agent Avison Young.  The agency team will jointly market the remaining 1m sq ft of industrial/logistics space and circa 80,000 sq ft

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Latest Issue
Issue 342 : Jul 2026

bdc magazine

BSW GROUP SEES TIMBER IN NEW LIGHT

BSW, the UK’s largest integrated forestry and sawmilling group, has unveiled its new brand, with an expanded vision of ‘seeing timber in new light’. The brand launch sees the group uniting its capabilities under a new, overarching, BSW Group brand, forging an integrated supply chain to create value and sustain long-term growth. Tony Hackney, CEO, BSW Group, said: “As the sector’s biggest integrated business, with capabilities including tree nurseries, forestry management, harvesting, production and energy, we believe we have a responsibility to drive positive change. “Following a period of intense acquisition activity, we commissioned a robust, independent review of our brand and market positioning to guide the actions needed to support a more sustainable future. The feedback we gained has been invaluable. It has inspired our vision to become the most innovative, technologically advanced and sustainable timber business in the UK.” As part of the launch, BSW Group is committing to ensuring a seamless, circular supply chain, to investing in innovation and education, and to giving people more stability and choice. “By growing markets, increasing efficiency and resilience, and elevating our craft, we can help secure the future of our industry and our planet. We have a shared will to create value and achieve sustainable growth,” added Tony. The brand launch follows BSW Group’s acquisition by Binderholz, which completed on 5th January 2022, strengthening the brand’s positioning in the value-added timber market. Our businesses – Maelor Forest Nurseries, Tilhill, Dick Brothers, BSW Timber, BSW Timber Solutions, Bayram Timber and BSW Energy – will continue to operate in their own specialist areas under the new overarching BSW Group brand, with a shared vision to create value and achieve sustainable growth. For more information, visit www.thebswgroup.co.uk. 

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5 Ways To Make Your HVAC Business More Productive

Businesses prosper when the whole team thrives for success. Every company needs to have a team that has the drive to keep improving efficiency and help in boosting productivity. But like any other business, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies can experience challenges, and sometimes demanding for productivity is easier said than done. If there are no steps to follow, taking your HVAC business to the top won’t be possible. Take this list as a guide to improve productivity in your company.   Organize Your Parts And Equipment  In any business, the organization must make sure that you have provided everything that your team needs before proceeding to the job. Contractors must ensure that their trucks are organized and in good working condition. They must have the necessary equipment loaded and ready in the service vehicle. In addition, the technician must ensure that all the parts and tools he’ll need for the job are complete. Also, make sure to regularly check the warehouse for inventory to ensure your contractors have all the materials they’ll need.    Utilize Technology  Your HVAC business will stay ahead of other competitors if you take advantage of the technological solutions available in the market today. Your company can use the software that is ideal for customer relationship management (CRM) and dispatch. You can also automate workflow with service management software that can be utilized from the field to the office.   This software has a user-friendly interface and allows you to access its customer data storage, tracking tools for technicians, GPS tracking, and more. Implementing different solutions is best during the year’s off-season when fewer customers call.   When your business and your staff can adapt to new technology, they can keep up with the demands of their tasks and responsibilities, which results in efficiency and a boost in productivity.  Invest In Training For New Skills  There is a big possibility of a shortage in skilled workers this year of 2022, as baby boomers are retiring from the industry. Almost all HVAC businesses in the market are at their peak right now with regards to positioning in the industry, but with all the retirements this year, the current struggle is to find qualified technicians who would stay for good in your company. The generation of employees nowadays prioritizes career growth, they usually gauge their stay in a company based on the path that the organization can offer them. What you can do is to train them generously as it contributes to employee retention. You can even hire and onboard younger technicians to build them up. There are two types of training that employers can give:   Technical training – training for certification and licensing. They can also opt to take additional certifications if they want to remain in the field their whole career.    Company-specific training – leads to career growth internally since some technicians may eventually want to transition into management roles.  When employees know that they can develop their skills and knowledge in your business, they are more than likely to stay. You can also upskill your technicians with the new trends to keep their skills updated and aid them to avoid future mistakes. This kind of activity inspires your new and old employees as it can boost their confidence, morale, and satisfaction to be at their best.   Improve Company Culture  How is the company culture at your workplace? If you’re noticing a decline in productivity, perhaps you can look into the working environment of your staff. A hostile workplace can lower productivity, increase errors, encourage absenteeism, and produce a number of mishaps. Your employees are more likely to show enthusiasm at work if there is respect and value within their workplace. To determine what needs to be improved in the company’s culture, it’s encouraged that you conduct surveys or one-one check-ins with each of your employees once or twice a month. By doing this, you are showing your team the concern and respect that they deserve, Additionally, you’ll be able to get feedback and suggestions straight from them and formulate solutions to increase their trust and comfortability in the company. It would also be a great idea to improve company culture, by arranging team-building activities wherein all the employees can participate to build camaraderie and rapport with each other that can eventually improve workplace culture. Allow Customer Reviews  Customers who need services are likely to search and read reviews from fellow clients. It’s a way of getting information on which company can offer quality work. There are platforms that customers can leave reviews about HVAC businesses. Customer testimonials can help you gain the trust of your customers and get more leads and prospects. You can utilize these testimonials by adding them to your website to help raise the brand image.   In Conclusion  HVAC businesses can look forward to success if they can start planning different ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity. It’s essential to be organized and always ready when the customer call. Training for additional skills and using technology also empowers your employees to do their jobs better. Productivity also increases when they have a good amount of support and receives feedback from satisfied customers.  

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Harworth secures planning for 110,000 sq ft of industrial & logistics space to begin Phase 2 of Gateway 36

Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, is pleased to announcethat it has secured planning for 110,000 sq ft of industrial & logistics space as part of Phase 2 of its Gateway 36 development in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The next phase of the scheme will see the direct development of three buildings ranging from 23,000 sq ft to 49,500 sq ft, which will include up to 10% office space and will be marketed as “R-Evolution 36”. The smallest building will be split into four units of 5,750 sq ft each to ensure its suitability to a broad range of occupiers. This will support the development of two additional buildings as part of Phase 2, which will provide an additional 425,000 sq ft of industrial & logistics space. The proposed development will be built to BREEAM “Very Good” standard, with 11% of the roof area covered by solar PV panels, and an enhanced design to allow occupiers to increase this coverage to 100%. The scheme will also include 20 EV charging points, rainwater harvesting and a sustainable heating and cooling system, as well as a building envelope design that is sympathetic to the surrounding environment. This development will build on the success of Phase 1 of Gateway 36, which comprised the direct development by Harworth of 145,300 sq ft of industrial & logistics space across four units, which were sold to Mayfair Capital in 2018. It also follows last month’s sale of a 24-acre land parcel at the development to Firethorn for £11.6 million, which will be used to deliver a BREEAM “Excellent” standard, 340,000 sq ft logistics facility. Located close to Junction 36 of the M1, Gateway 36 provides occupiers with direct motorway links to Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster. The development is supported by £3.1 million of funding from Sheffield City Region, with all of the facility now drawn down contributing to the infrastructure that has opened up development of the site. Harworth is already well progressed with the creation of development platforms and access roads at the site, and intends to begin direct development of Phase 2 in early 2022. The units will be marketed by Knight Frank and Gent Visick. “Gateway 36 is a major hub for logistics and manufacturing in Yorkshire, benefiting from its adjacency to Junction 36 of the M1. The development of this discrete second phase of the scheme will be a contributor to Harworth’s strategy of increasing its direct development of industrial & logistics space over the next five to seven years.” Andrew Blackshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Harworth Group plc “The next phase of Gateway 36 will meet the growing demand for well-connected, high-specification industrial & logistics space in Yorkshire. In addition to supporting new jobs in the area, the development’s environmental impact will be minimised through the use of onsite energy generation and energy efficient design.”

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689-HOME DEVELOPMENT NAMED AS FIRST THROUGH NEW PAGABO FRAMEWORK

A SIGNIFICANT housing project has been announced as the first large-scale project procured through national framework provider Pagabo’s Developer Led Framework. Southwark Council has selected Linkcity as developer for its Tustin Estate scheme, which will feature nearly 700 new homes. This includes 200 replacement council homes, around 50 shared equity properties, around 220 additional council homes including keyworker homes, and around 220 homes for sale. A Pre-Construction Services Agreement is set to be signed to kick off the process. The project also includes a central park, several refurbishments of existing council homes and at least 1,800 sqm of commercial floorspace. Linkcity, part of the Bouygues Construction group, will work with the authority over the coming months with a view to signing a full development agreement in summer 2022 with Bouygues UK as the main contractor for the scheme. Construction will begin late 2022 and is planned to complete in summer 2028. Pagabo’s £47bn Developer Led Framework was the first framework of its kind when it launched to the market in December 2020, with 29 companies appointed across nine lots to deliver projects across a huge variety of development sectors. Jonathan Parker, head of construction at Pagabo, said: “I am thrilled to have been involved with the procurement of a developer for the Tustin Estate low rise redevelopment programme, which will provide much needed improvement and expansion of Southwark Council’s existing social housing provision, as well as upgrading the facilities for people in the area. “The Developer Led Framework was launched as a unique market offering to help procure significant projects that make a huge social difference, and Tustin Estate is exactly that. Having been heavily involved from the outset, we’re really excited to see this project come to fruition over the coming years.” As part of the framework and procurement process, Pagabo assisted with the procurement advice, development’s business case, early engagement, expression of interest, formulating the invitation to tender, quality scoring and tender moderation, tender summary report, and notification letters. Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Council Homes and Homelessness, said: “We are delighted to welcome Linkcity to the Tustin Estate and look forward to working with them and our residents to build quality new council homes. Southwark has one of the most ambitious council house building programmes in the country and the work on Tustin Estate will not only help us reach our aim of providing new housing but also enhance the estate for current residents.” As part of the initial phase of development, Linkcity will create around 200 new homes to rehouse current tenants of the estate. In addition, the developer will deliver 440 homes across two further phases over the next three years, through its construction partner Bouygues UK, with at least half of these designated as affordable housing. Tom Jackson, development director at Linkcity said, “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Southwark Council and the Tustin Estate residents to deliver the first project on Pagabo’s Developer Led Framework. It’s a great opportunity to provide social and economic value through local employment and education opportunities, as well as new homes for this thriving community.” For more information about Pagabo please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/.

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Clark-Drain and the Climate Change Agreement: Our Continuing Commitment to Sustainability

The COP-26 summit in Glasgow has led the world to think more deeply and more urgently about climate change, and how we must all live and work more sustainably to combat it. Clark-Drain is no exception – and we are stepping up to the mark, as we have done in the past. We are proud to announce that we signed up to the Government’s Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme back in 2018, which commits us to environmental targets over time. It was an important step forward, and complements the many other measures we have already taken, and continue to take, to reduce resource consumption, pollution, and climate change impacts. From the market’s first fully recycled and recyclable channels and chambers, to efficient drainage that increases hydraulic performance using less material, to lightweight designs that use less fuel to transport and install, Clark-Drain has always put sustainability high on its agenda. And with our CCA commitment, our long-established, family-run business is shifting its environmental conscience up a gear. So, what exactly does CCA deliver, how, and what are the benefits? Measure, report, hit the mark – consistently Primarily, CCA is about reducing our energy use and carbon emissions to agreed levels. Energy consumption is the cause of much of the world’s carbon emissions, and carbon itself makes up 80% of the greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change, so cutting down on both energy use and carbon emissions is a no-brainer. As part of our commitment to CCA, we must measure and report our energy consumption and emissions over periods of two years, until the end of March 2025, and must hit the agreed targets throughout that time. The measuring and reporting are rigorous, comprising both absolute and relative measures of energy consumption and carbon emitted.        The targets, which are defined by the Government based on the industry sector we operate in, are calculated relative to a past “base year”, and are both absolute and – necessarily – challenging. In short, with the CCA scheme we are doing in environmental terms what we have always done elsewhere in our business: championing transparency, learning lessons, aiming high, and delivering a better outcome. But what’s in it for us – and our customers? CCA: making environmental and economic sense Like all the best environmental initiatives, CCA incorporates sensible financial incentives to help offset the costs to the business of managing the scheme, and potentially deliver some residual economic benefit, both of which ultimately drive uptake. By hitting the CCA targets, businesses like Clark-Drain benefit from significant reductions in the Climate Change Levy (CCL) that we currently pay as part of our electricity and fuel bills. Ultimately, we are free to deploy any surplus however we think it will benefit our customers most – in new product development, operational and customer service investment, price or quantity incentives, and so on. It’s the proverbial win-win situation, three ways: we reduce our impact on the environment, we lower our costs, and we free up funds to better serve our customers. Transparency and credibility: going public One thing that COP-26 has taught us all is that lip-service just doesn’t cut it anymore. Environmental commitments must be visible, and they must have teeth. The CCA scheme addresses this not only through its extremely specific targets, conditions, and measurement, as described above (a much fuller explanation of which is given in the various technical documents here), but also in the fact that it maintains a completely public register of businesses that continue to meet the targets and be eligible for the CCL discount. This register (called the Reduced Rate Certificates spreadsheet) is available to download here, and makes successful CCA commitment a matter of public record. Our customers can therefore be sure they are dealing with a business that has not only signed up to the CCA scheme, but is actually delivering on it. Critical changes, manageable progress As the great and the good head off from Glasgow, leaving a legacy of urgent environmental action in their wake, the ball is very much in our court – the millions of expert, specialist businesses that, across the globe, sell the things the world can’t do without, but at an environmental price it soon won’t be able to afford. Our commitment to the CCA scheme is one more demonstration of our determination to deliver products and to work in ways that are more sustainable, bit by bit, day by day. At Clark-Drain, we’re proud that what we produce is, as we always say, “grounded in expertise”- but now, more than ever, we want to make sure that how it is produced is grounded in environmental good sense.

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Tungsten Properties sells Essex development to private investor for £7.25 million

Tungsten Properties, one of the UK’s leading mid-box industrial and warehouse developers, has sold its three-unit industrial development at Eastways Industrial Estate, Witham, Essex, which was pre-let to OMG How Cheap Ltd, the online discount stationery superstore, to a private investor for £7.25 million representing a net initial yield of 4.75%. The three high specification logistics units total 45,000 sq ft and were completed in December 2021 with OMG How Cheap set to officially move into its new space in Q1 2022. The development was funded by Tungsten’s balance sheet, alongside its £50 million revolving credit facility with Fortwell Capital. Justin McVeigh, associate development director at Tungsten Properties said: “The sale of our Witham development is credit to Tungsten’s project team who built it during challenging conditions, ready for the simultaneous sale to the private investor and completion of OMG How Cheap’s lease. It is great news for the tenant which will have a more efficient building in terms of both energy and operations while generating more jobs for the local area. We wish both OMG, and the new purchaser, every success.” Savills acted on behalf of Tungsten Properties; Atlas Real Estate acted on behalf of the private investor. Glencar Construction was the contractor.

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Construction underway on DHL’s new Exeter service centre

Stoford is making progress on a new DHL parcel distribution service centre as part of the next phase of a job-creating logistics park in East Devon. Construction is underway on two new buildings that will deliver a combined 83,500 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park, on the former Hayes Farm, Clyst Honiton. They include a modern, bespoke facility of 55,000 sq ft on behalf of DHL that has been designed to reduce the logistics firm’s environmental footprint by minimising the number of vehicles required on site. Stoford is targeting BREEAM ‘very good’ and an EPC A rating for the new service centre, which will benefit from sustainability features including PV solar panels, EV charging points, a sustainable urban drainage system and a green roof atop integral office areas. The new development will also promote employee health and wellbeing through the creation of trim trail and outdoor gym areas, including bodyweight exercise equipment. A second unit of c. 28,500 sq ft is being developed speculatively by Stoford, in partnership with Urban Logistics REIT, and is expected to operate as a conventional facility with flexible warehouse space. The new developments could create more than 150 new jobs when they are functional in Q1 2022. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford said: “This is an ambitious build programme that recognises the need for Exeter Logistics Park to be developed responsibly, delivering environmental and economic benefits. There is huge pent up demand for logistics and distribution accommodation of this size and quality in the region, which is why we’ve taken the decision to develop speculatively. We’re excited by the potential to establish the site as the South West’s leading distribution hub, south of Bristol.” John Barker, Development Director at investor, Urban Logistics REIT, said: “Because of the lack of supply in this location and the quality of the build, we’re already seeing some early interest. This is another deployment of capital into the Exeter market which should be seen as a sign of our confidence in the South West market which we see as an important market for logistics.” Richard Moffitt, CEO of Urban Logistics REIT, commented: “The location of this scheme is already endorsed by logistics operators and the micro location is excellent, being close to the M5 and the airport. We are excited to be working with Stoford and the Church Commissioners for England to bring this site forward.” Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land for the Church Commissioners for England, said: “The Church Commissioners are delighted to be partnering with Stoford to deliver these new facilities at Exeter Logistics Park. We are pleased to see the strong sustainability credentials that form a key part of the scheme, including infrastructure for electric vehicles, green roof spaces and the provision of solar panels, all of which will contribute towards carbon reduction.”   Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said: “This exciting development builds upon the incredible growth of the wider Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone and will create much welcomed employment for the area. Additionally, this innovative building design will provide a significant number of environmental benefits which will accord with the aims and objectives of East Devon District Council to be a green, carbon-zero and eco-friendly local authority. I look forward to seeing the building in all its glory and send my thanks to all involved for choosing East Devon as the place where they wish to do business.” Exeter Logistics Park is part of the second phase of a significant industrial scheme on a 55-acre site, owned by the Church Commissioners for England. It is part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point economic development zone east of the M5, near Exeter Airport.  All enquiries regarding Exeter Logistics Park should be directed to the scheme’s retained agents, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield and M1 Agency.

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Railpen and Wrenbridge secure major new occupier at Dartford X

Railpen and Wrenbridge have signed a major new occupier, Leathams Ltd, a food supplier and distributor, at Dartford X.  Leathams Ltd have taken a pre-let of 30,000 sq ft at the site. Dartford X covers nine-acres and was acquired by Railpen in December 2019. Railpen’s development partner Wrenbridge have delivered five new Grade A warehouse units ranging in size from 13,000 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft. The warehouses all have excellent sustainability credentials, with Dartford X achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. All buildings are highly insulated, have PV panels on the roof, and contain water-saving features and energy-efficient lifts. There are also electric vehicle charging points across the site (20 per cent active and 80 per cent passive). Alastair Dawson, Senior Asset Manager at Railpen, says: “We are delighted Leathams have taken space at Dartford X.  Leathams choosing Dartford X shows the park can accommodate major companies wanting to operate from high-specification buildings with excellent access to Central London and the M25 at an affordable price. The industrial and logistics sector form a key part of Railpen’s portfolio at a time when the sector is hugely important to the UK’s economic recovery.” Martin Sandler, Real Estate Director at Leathams, says: “Dartford X is a brilliant location for Leathams. Its proximity to major motorways and transport infrastructure giving us access to Folkstone/Felixstowe for our inbound goods as well as our outbound distribution to London and National, are a key part of its appeal.  Dartford X’s green credentials, the ceiling heights, large yard and generous power supply are important too, particularly as we plan to install a new chilled box as part of our fit-out. The outlook over plentiful green spaces and lakes will also be great for our Colleagues from a wellbeing perspective.  We look forward to occupying the space and a long-term relationship with Railpen.” Harry Gibson, Associate Director at Wrenbridge, says: “The transaction with Leathams Ltd highlights the demand for high specification accommodation in key locations such as Dartford. We have enjoyed working closely with Leathams, and we look forward to growing the relationship further throughout their fit-out and seeing how they utilise the building’s specification and sustainability measures.” Dartford X is owned and managed by Railpen, the investment manager for the GBP35 billion Railways Pension Schemes and developed in partnership with Wrenbridge. CBRE, Cushmans and Glenny represented Railpen.

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Selco secures Superbrands status

Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has been awarded ‘Superbrands’ status. Selco, which has undergone a major services and branch expansion in recent years, has been rewarded for enjoying an excellent reputation in the industry. Companies shortlisted for Superbrands accreditation are measured on three core areas – quality, reliability and distinction. Other factors taken into consideration include a brand’s current profile, latest marketing activities and new product or service developments. Howard Luft, Selco’s chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to have received this award and it’s a huge credit to the entire team throughout Selco. “Whether it be opening new branches to help establish a true nationwide brand, creating a revamped and fully operational website or establishing digital transactional platforms such as Click & Collect or Click & Deliver, there have been substantial developments in recent years and there are exciting initiatives planned to continue that progress. “Receiving recognition through awards such as Superbrands is just reward for the efforts of everyone to grow the Selco name.” The Superbrands organisation identifies and pays tribute to exceptional brands in over 85 different countries. The selection process is independently run with one of the world’s leading data research companies and tracks the perception of a wide range of businesses. It follows a voting process involving 2,500 business professionals with purchasing or managerial responsibility, supplemented by an expert council comprising 20 senior marketing leaders. This year’s survey evaluated a shortlist of 1,600 business-to-business brands across 63 categories, with only the most highly regarded from each category awarded Superbrands status. Damon Segal, co-founder of the Academy of Chief Marketers (Superbrands UK), said: “We are excited to have Selco Builders Warehouse on board with us and look forward to them being part of our community of collaborative senior marketing and brand focused members.” With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver, a Click & Collect service and a new website designed to help tradespeople purchase their materials in the quickest and most effective way possible. For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com

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COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL BOOSTS AGENCY TEAM AT INTEGRA 61

Citrus Durham has strengthened the agency team at Integra 61, the North East’s largest new logistics and manufacturing park, with the appointment of Colliers International to join existing agent Avison Young.  The agency team will jointly market the remaining 1m sq ft of industrial/logistics space and circa 80,000 sq ft of roadside opportunities at the 205 acre site located next to J61 of the A1(M). Following the recent completion of over £20m of major infrastructure works, the £300m mixed-use employment development is now fully operational and has the capability to deliver some 4,000 jobs in total. In addition to being home to Amazon’s new 2m sq ft Fulfilment Centre, one of the UK’s largest logistics buildings, the site has outline planning consent for a further 1m sq ft of employment space with ‘oven-ready’ plots available on a design and build basis which enable occupiers to be operational within a year of deal completion. The pioneering development will also house circa 300 new homes and significant roadside opportunities including drive-thru’s, a 70-bed hotel, family pub/restaurant, nursery, car showrooms and trade counter/retail units.   Fronting onto the newly upgraded A688 and Durham Services, Integra 61 is just 4 miles away from the world-renowned University City of Durham with its population of over 40,000. This, in addition to the 740,000 people living within 30 minutes of the scheme offers occupiers access to an excellent local labour pool. Robert Whatmuff, Director, Colliers International said; “Integra 61 is undoubtedly one of the most exciting developments in the North East, with commercial opportunities to suit a full range of businesses and requirements. Certainty of deliverability is crucial in today’s market and the fact that occupiers can be operational on-site within a year of committing to the scheme is fantastic and will ensure smooth transitions for businesses.” Robert Rae, MD, Avison Young commented; “There has been real momentum at Integra 61 with the site now a hub of activity. Potential occupiers can get a sense of what a significant development the Citrus Durham team has created here and we anticipate high levels of demand for the wide range of opportunities at this strategic site.” David Cullingford, Project Lead for Integra 61 and Citrus Durham, said; “We are delighted to welcome Colliers International to our agency team at Integra 61. Their national outreach and expertise within the roadside sector is second to none and combined with Avison Young’s long-standing involvement with the development, we have a great team to take Integra 61 into its next exciting phase.”

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