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
Stoford has had its plans approved to extend Worcester Six Business Park on the southern side of the site. Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approved the application today (Thursday, December 9), which means the leading developer will be able to provide up to a further 680,000 sq ft of floorspace
Worcestershire-based Victoria PLC, the UK’s largest flooring manufacturer and distributor, has been granted permission for a bespoke 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park. The planning committee of Wychavon District Council approved plans, submitted by leading developer Stoford, for unit 7, where Victoria PLC will house Alliance Flooring
Icon Industrial, a strategic joint venture by leading commercial property developer, Stoford and private global investment firm, TPG Real Estate, has completed the first of two new Grade A warehouse developments in Harlow. The JV has delivered Unit D, a bespoke last mile distribution unit of 84,407 sq ft
Work has completed on a £5.5 million transport infrastructure project that will pave the way for a major new business park development near Redditch. Stoford Developments has delivered infrastructure works and a signalised traffic junction at the 78-acre Redditch Gateway site off Gorcott Hill and the A4023 Coventry Highway. The
Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable
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.
Stoford has had its plans approved to extend Worcester Six Business Park on the southern side of the site. Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approved the application today (Thursday, December 9), which means the leading developer will be able to provide up to a further 680,000 sq ft of floorspace on 61.18 acres of land, adjacent to Newtown Road. An extension has always been part of the Worcester Six Business Park plans and it is included in the South Worcestershire Development Plan, which was adopted in 2016 by councils in south Worcestershire. Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford, said: “This is an important step forward for the growth of Worcester Six and it comes at a time when we are in a strong position to put forward our long-term plans to add carefully designed units that are in keeping with the location. We are looking forward to making a start so that we can attract even more national and international companies to Worcester, bringing much-needed jobs to the area.” The developer is also fulfilling its commitment to safeguarding and improving the green space at ensuring Worcester Six. It has worked with Worcestershire’s Green Infrastructure (GI) Partnership to create a long-term GI Concept Plan, which will see Stoford putting aside 6.55ha of the site for natural habitats and landscaping, in addition to on-plot landscaping. Plans include the retention of woodland, grassland areas, and species-rich hedgerows. New habitats will be created, including a wildflower meadow, a wildlife tower, and a variety of structures to support insects, invertebrates, birds and bats. Worcester Six Business Park is a few minutes’ drive from junction six of the M5 and home to a number of major national and international companies, including IONOS, Kohler Mira, Spire Healthcare, Cornelius, Kimal, and Materials Solutions.
Worcestershire-based Victoria PLC, the UK’s largest flooring manufacturer and distributor, has been granted permission for a bespoke 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park. The planning committee of Wychavon District Council approved plans, submitted by leading developer Stoford, for unit 7, where Victoria PLC will house Alliance Flooring Distribution, one of its businesses. Both Stoford and Victoria PLC have committed to a more environmentally friendly approach to the development, with the base build of the unit being net carbon zero in operation. It will also have photovoltaic panels on the roof and there will be extensive electric vehicle charging points. Stoford will also create two new ponds to further improve the green infrastructure on the business park. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said it had secured £28.3 million forward funding for the scheme from Frasers Logistics and Commercial Trust (FLCT), a Singapore-based REIT (real estate investment trust). Frasers’ acquisition through a forward funding agreement for the facility builds on its strategy to grow its core logistics and industrial portfolio in existing markets. Stoford aims to start building work in the new year, with an expected completion date of Q4 2022. “We’re pleased to have been given the go-ahead for another major business to join the raft of global names that have already made their home at Worcester Six,” said Edward. “This is a thriving business park that is playing a significant role in helping to boost the local economy, thanks to the jobs the businesses are creating, and Victoria PLC will be no exception as it forges ahead with its growth plans. “We’re looking forward to getting started on delivering the scheme for this historic, local company.” Victoria PLC, a major employer in Kidderminster since 1900, has agreed a 15-year lease for bespoke unit. Philippe Hamers, CEO for Victoria PLC, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted. It means we are one step closer to enjoying an exciting new chapter that will enable us to both future-proof and grow our distribution business. We’re looking forward working with Stoford as our bespoke, environmentally friendly unit is built at Worcester Six.” In the past three years, Worcester Six has welcomed a number of national and global names to the business park, including Zwick Roell, Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira and IONOS. Victoria PLC was advised by Brasier Freeth and Stoford by BNP Paribas and Harris Lamb. For details about the scheme and other units that can be provided, contact the agent: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Ben Wiley at BNP Paribas – ben.wiley@realestate.bnpparibas
Icon Industrial, a strategic joint venture by leading commercial property developer, Stoford and private global investment firm, TPG Real Estate, has completed the first of two new Grade A warehouse developments in Harlow. The JV has delivered Unit D, a bespoke last mile distribution unit of 84,407 sq ft at Icon Harlow in Essex, on behalf of an international online retailer. The new building is part of phase two Icon Harlow, providing almost 200,000 sq ft of much needed Grade A warehouse accommodation for the London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor. A second unit (E) is under construction on a speculative basis, with completion scheduled for October 2021. The Grade A unit will extend to 112,000 sq ft and provides the rare opportunity to occupy one of the only available buildings over 100,000 sq ft in the north M25. Phase one of Icon Harlow completed last year and comprised three highly specified units, including two speculatively constructed. All three units are now occupied and extend to 244,258 sq ft. Angus Huntley, Director at Stoford, said: “Icon Harlow has attracted significant interest from distributors looking for much needed quality warehouse and logistics accommodation in the home counties, but with quick access to London and the wider South East. The final unit (E) will provide Grade A accommodation with enhanced sustainability credentials, including PV arrays and 20% EV car charging provision. We have the opportunity to offer occupiers early access to the warehouse from the end of September 2021.” Icon Harlow is conveniently located in close proximity to Harlow town centre and benefits from excellent road, rail, air and sea links. The development lies a short drive from junction 27 of the M25, just 17 miles from London Stansted Airport, 30 miles north of central London and 34 miles from DP World’s London Gateway Port. Existing occupiers include SOP International, Verhoek Europe and leading arts and crafts supplier, Baker Ross. For all enquiries, please contact the scheme’s retained agents: DTRE, JLL and M1 Agency.
Work has completed on a £5.5 million transport infrastructure project that will pave the way for a major new business park development near Redditch. Stoford Developments has delivered infrastructure works and a signalised traffic junction at the 78-acre Redditch Gateway site off Gorcott Hill and the A4023 Coventry Highway. The project will open up approximately 35 acres of development land on the northern side of the site within the Bromsgrove district, in Worcestershire, and a further 27 acres to the south, which sits in the Stratford-on-Avon district, in Warwickshire. The works were completed by appointed contractor, Fitzgerald Contractors. Redditch Gateway is a £200 million build-to-suit logistics and manufacturing scheme that will deliver up to one million sq ft of brand new office, logistics and manufacturing accommodation. Steelwork has been erected and cladding has been installed on Unit A, a 366,000 sq ft warehouse building to the north of the site. Construction of the building, which has been pre-let to a multinational retailer, is set to be completed in Q3 2021. Redditch Gateway has capacity for two additional build-to-suit units of between 150,000 sq ft – 250,000 sq ft, with integral office space, secure yard space and parking. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford Developments, said: “Redditch Gateway is an exciting development in a strategically important West Midlands location, just a few miles from the M42. There is huge pent up demand for industrial/logistics accommodation of this size and quality in the region and our significant investment in the development of the infrastructure and junction works is the first step in realising our vision for this landmark scheme. We are very pleased to have completed this phase of the project and look forward to delivering the first unit this year.” Councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “This is a very exciting scheme because it is one of the key employment sites in our County. Now more than ever, the future development of Redditch Gateway will help make a substantial contribution to Worcestershire’s future economic prosperity. It marks the culmination of many years of hard work to promote this well located site.” Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “As one of the four game changer employment sites in Worcestershire we are pleased to be partners in the investment to unlock this key project in north Worcestershire. With work complete on the improved local traffic infrastructure, we look forward to this developing into a successful employment location in the region.” Councillor Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “It is great to see the work progressing on the Redditch Gateway site. These infrastructure works are critical to enabling the delivery of the brand new logistics and manufacturing premises on the site. Redditch Borough Council has worked closely with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP and Worcestershire LEP to support this project, which will bring new investment and jobs to the borough. We look forward to working with Stoford Developments on bringing investment and development to the rest of the site.” Councillor Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “I am very pleased that this development is now complete. It represents a major investment in the area. At a time when the local economy needs a boost it is extremely welcome.” Chris Loughran, Deputy Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The completion of a high quality industrial development such as Redditch Gateway is key to securing jobs for local people and inviting new investments to the region. It is fantastic to see work progressing so well, and GBSLEP is committed to supporting schemes which can have hugely positive impacts for our businesses, residents and visitors. This is a brilliant example of how we can work with our partners to deliver such projects and transform previously unused sites for the development of our regional economy.” Tim Davies, Senior Development Manager, Homes England, said: “Having committed land and provided finance to the scheme through the last six years, it is fantastic to see this scheme coming to fruition. Stoford continues to be an effective partner engaging with occupiers and stakeholders to deliver schemes of this nature. With the Homes England land now serviced we are looking forward to further phases coming forward facilitating employment and training opportunities in the local community.” Redditch Gateway is located on the eastern fringes of Redditch, just 2.5 miles from junction 3 of the M42 and 18 miles from Birmingham Airport. The site falls into two local authority areas, Stratford-on-Avon in Warwickshire to the north and Bromsgrove district to the south. Based in a key distribution area of the Midlands, the site is adjacent to local occupiers including iForce John Lewis, Lear Corporation, UK NSI, Thorlux Lighting and Huegli UK. Stoford has been appointed as development partner for Redditch Gateway, working alongside the two landowners, The Gorcott Trust and Homes England. The development is being supported by £1.8 million investment from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Places Fund and grant support from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. Redditch Gateway is being marketed by Burbage Realty, Colliers International and Savills.
Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable for advanced manufacturing, e-fulfilment and distribution uses (B1, B2 and B8 classes). The units, which are now available to let, sit alongside a 50,000 sq ft unit, which is occupied by Liberty 920E, part of the prestigious Liberty Vehicle Technologies; and US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear, which occupies unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford Developments, which is developing the site jointly with leading asset management company BlackRock, said: “We’re pleased to have completed this critical first phase of the development and are confident that our investment in these two high-quality speculative units will attract ambitious businesses to Spa Park. “Despite the challenges of 2020, we are still seeing a strong demand for units of this size at the park, thanks to its strategic location and excellent road network. We are talking to a number of interested businesses and hope to be able to welcome new occupiers soon.” Spa Park comprises four units and is located on Tachbrook Road. It is close to the A46 and junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. Leamington Spa train station is less than one mile away. Spa Park is already home to lingerie and swimwear brand Bravissimo, Detroit Electric and global medical company Smith + Nephew. Stoford and BlackRock are also to construct a second phase, with units of 30,000 sq ft to 290,000 sq ft, available on a build-to-suit basis, which will provide occupiers with the opportunity to tailor the specification and design to their specific requirements. For all enquiries, contact the scheme’s retained agents: CBRE, Bromwich Hardy or M1. Details can be found at www.spapark.co.uk
