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Prologis acquires two logistics centres in London 

Kenneth Booth August 10, 2022

Prologis, a leading owner and developer of UK logistics real estate, has continued its focus of strategic investments in London and the South East markets with the acquisition of two additional sites at Erith and Croydon.   Totalling over 330,000 sq. ft. on 20.4 acres, the two distribution centres are let to Ocado and Royal Mail and form key parts of their distribution networks, being two of the largest low density last mile logistic facilities inside the M25.  The assets, on Church Manorway, Erith and Beddington Farm Road, Croydon are located

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Full occupancy at Prologis Park Hams Hall as final unit is let

Kenneth Booth July 27, 2022

Prologis, one of the UK’s leading developers of logistics property, has successfully preleased all of speculatively built Prologis Park Hams Hall with final unit, DC4, being let to West Midlands-based AMG Logistics on a 15 year lease. The full occupancy of the Park, ahead of practical completion later this summer,

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FIRETHORN TRUST HITS STRUCTURAL MILESTONE AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT

Kenneth Booth July 14, 2022

Firethorn Trust’s 21-acre logistics scheme, Peterborough South, is rapidly taking shape, with structural steelwork now erected across the site.  Located at Kingston Park in Hampton, the Grade-A industrial development comprises of three units spanning 94,225 sq ft, 130,015 sq ft and 240,830 sq ft, all of which will be delivered

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Stoford completes new double development at Exeter Logistics Park

Kenneth Booth July 1, 2022

Stoford has delivered more than 83,500 sq ft of new industrial/logistics accommodation at a job-creating logistics location in East Devon. The leading commercial property developer has completed construction of two new sustainable developments at Exeter Logistics Park, a 55-acre site in Clyst Honiton owned by the Church Commissioners for England.

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CITRUS SECURES £75M FUNDING FOR INTEGRA 61 DURHAM

Kenneth Booth June 29, 2022

Work Starts On Speculative Development Of Circa 650,000 Sq Ft in Five New Industrial Units Citrus Durham (“Citrus”) has secured £75M funding to enable the speculative development of circa 650,000 sq ft of new industrial space, to be known as Connect, at the Integra 61 mixed-use project at J61 of

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Latest Issue
Issue 328 : May 2025

warehouse & logistics

Prologis acquires two logistics centres in London 

Kenneth Booth August 10, 2022

Prologis, a leading owner and developer of UK logistics real estate, has continued its focus of strategic investments in London and the South East markets with the acquisition of two additional sites at Erith and Croydon.   Totalling over 330,000 sq. ft. on 20.4 acres, the two distribution centres are let to Ocado and Royal Mail and form key parts of their distribution networks, being two of the largest low density last mile logistic facilities inside the M25.  The assets, on Church Manorway, Erith and Beddington Farm Road, Croydon are located in two London markets that continue to see excellent customer demand whilst servicing significant, growing conurbations.  Erith is considered a major growth area for jobs, transport and industry, providing easy access to central London and M25 connectivity to the wider motorway network, whilst Croydon is a densely populated south London location popular with a number of last mile delivery customers. The purchases of both assets will add to Prologis’ existing holdings in these markets.  Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK:   “Our purchase of these two prime distribution facilities shows our continued confidence in the UK’s logistic sector and reconfirms our strategic focus in London and the South East. We welcome Ocado as a new customer and look forward to working with them. It’s great to expand our strong relationship with Royal Mail at a location well known to both parties.”  Erith was acquired from a UK fund, whilst Croydon was acquired from a segregated mandate client of CTI Real Estate. Prologis was advised by JLL on Erith and Knight Frank on Croydon. Gerald Eve and Acre Capital advised the vendors.  Matthew Howard, Fund Manager at CTI Real Estate Partners:  “We are delighted with the sale of Mail Centre Croydon, which continues our client strategy of recycling capital into a more diversified pool of higher yielding assets.”

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Legal & General acquires 6.2-acre Horsham site for multi million pound industrial scheme

Kenneth Booth August 1, 2022

Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM Real Assets) has acquired a 6.2-acre freehold estate in Horsham, West Sussex on behalf of its Industrial Property Investment Fund (“IPIF”). LGIM Real Assets and its development partner, Graftongate, plan to speculatively develop a prime multi-unit industrial/logistics scheme on the site of Wilberforce House in Southwater, south of Horsham town centre. The proposed scheme would see the development of seven new warehouse units totaling almost 100,000 sq ft, including integral office space. The scheme will target EPC A+, BREEAM Excellent and operational net zero carbon. Wilberforce House is currently let in its entirety to the RSPCA, which is relocating to smaller premises. LGIM Real Assets and Graftongate plan to develop the scheme on receipt of vacant possession in Q1 2023. Jonathan Holland, senior fund manager for LGIM Real Assets, said: “The purchase presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a development site to provide Grade A industrial stock in a supply constrained market and a sector where occupational demand is booming, and rental growth is set to follow. On expiry of the lease, this will be one of the most valuable development sites in West Sussex.” Alex Thomason, development manager at Graftongate, said: “The redevelopment of the Wilberforce House estate offers an excellent opportunity to deliver high quality industrial/logistics accommodation in an established commercial location. The property occupies a prime position on Wilberforce Way and benefits from excellent transport links, being easily accessible via the A24 dual carriageway. We expect the scheme to generate significant interest from prospective occupiers.” Savills and Clay Street acted on behalf of LGIM Real Assets and Graftongate, the vendor was represented by Carter Jonas.

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Full occupancy at Prologis Park Hams Hall as final unit is let

Kenneth Booth July 27, 2022

Prologis, one of the UK’s leading developers of logistics property, has successfully preleased all of speculatively built Prologis Park Hams Hall with final unit, DC4, being let to West Midlands-based AMG Logistics on a 15 year lease. The full occupancy of the Park, ahead of practical completion later this summer, demonstrates the site’s strength and broad appeal particularly to both automotive and logistics sectors. Spanning 85,000 sq ft, DC4, like all Prologis units, has sustainability built into the fabric of the building; Net zero carbon in construction, BREEAM-rated ‘Excellent’ and a projected EPC A rating. This transaction follows on from Britishvolt recently preleasing Hams Hall DC2, a customer leading the way in sustainable, low carbon battery innovation, and Hams Hall DC3 being snapped up by international multi-modal logistics operator, LTS Global Solutions. Located only 10 miles from Birmingham city centre and one mile from M42 Junction 9, Prologis Park Hams Hall is strategically located to offer its customers prime accessibility in and around the Midlands, and further afield. Andrew Griffiths, Managing Director, AMG Logistics“We are delighted to secure DC4 Hams Hall to help facilitate our growth plans and take our business to the next level. Operating from a highly sustainable unit was a key factor for our customers and Prologis Park Hams Hall ticked all the boxes in that regard. It has been great to work with the Prologis team to get the deal over the line.” Tom Price, Director, Capital Deployment and Leasing, Prologis UK “Letting DC4 prior to its completion is testament to appetite within the market for top quality, well-located logistics property in and around the Midlands. Reaching full occupancy is a landmark moment for Hams Hall and we’re all looking forward to welcoming AMG Logistics and our other new customers to the park once the buildings are complete.” Danny Nelson, Head of Industrial, Logistics and Distribution, Winvic Construction Ltd“Our team has been working hard on site to deliver a further three high quality industrial facilities at Hams Hall for our client, Prologis. We are delighted to see the last unit, DC4, has been let and we are looking forward to handing over this sustainable facility to AMG Logistics at the end of the summer.”

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Glencar to build 94,000 sq ft speculative warehouse development for Firethorn Trust in Erith.

Kenneth Booth July 19, 2022

Appointment serves as the second, repeat appointment in quick succession following the announcement in January of a project to build 500,000 sq ft across three units at a site in Peterborough. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been appointed for the second time by commercial real estate investor and developer Firethorn Trust, to deliver its 93,984 sq ft last-mile logistics scheme, Blueprint Erith in South East London. The project will see the demolition and site clearance of an existing warehouse and external concrete yard, followed by the construction of four modern single storey terraced warehouse units, having a clear height to underside of haunch of 12 metres.  It will also feature 12,000 sq ft of internal first floor office accommodation together with open storage, while external site works include hardstanding’s, car parking, landscaping and drainage. With a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification, the development is being constructed to net-zero carbon with 15% rooflight coverage, 13 EV charging points and LED lighting. A Photovoltaic ‘ready’ roof structure will also provide capabilities for future full PV coverage. To mark the start of construction and the appointment, a ground breaking ceremony was recently staged onsite featuring executives from both Glencar and Firethorn. During the occasion various aspects of the enabling work were highlighted with progress onsite already significantly advanced. Speaking about the contract award Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director London and South said: “Glencar prides itself on long-term customer relationships and partnership built upon the principles of trust and understanding leading to repeat business.  On that basis receiving this instruction in quick succession is testament to the growing and beneficial relationship we are building with the team at Firethorn and we are proud to be delivering for them again”. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn Trust, continued: “Glencar has a strong track record in delivering high-quality industrial schemes, and we are delighted to appoint them for a second time on what is a strategically important project for Firethorn. “The team has demonstrated great knowledge and expertise, putting forward the latest products and innovations to benefit our occupiers, both now and for the future, whilst enabling us to deliver on our commitment to sustainability. We look forward to working with the team again to bring Blueprint Erith to life.” Glencar is due to start on site this month and the project is due for completion in Q1 2023. The project team includes Quartz Project Services Ltd, Stephen George & Partners and Burrows Graham.

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FIRETHORN TRUST HITS STRUCTURAL MILESTONE AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT

Kenneth Booth July 14, 2022

Firethorn Trust’s 21-acre logistics scheme, Peterborough South, is rapidly taking shape, with structural steelwork now erected across the site.  Located at Kingston Park in Hampton, the Grade-A industrial development comprises of three units spanning 94,225 sq ft, 130,015 sq ft and 240,830 sq ft, all of which will be delivered as net-zero carbon in construction. Work is well underway at the scheme, which is being delivered by Glencar Construction, and is on track for completion in Q4 2022. Chris Webb, Partner at Firethorn Trust, commented: “Having received the green light on planning earlier this year, we are delighted to have hit this structural milestone and we look forward to seeing the scheme continue to develop at pace over the coming months. “As with all Firethorn developments, we’re committed to creating spaces with a market-leading specification, and Peterborough South’s design will showcase innovative, best-in-class products and technologies that will promote productivity, sustainability and employee wellbeing, now and for years to come.” The development will be delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and will feature more than 40,000 sq. ft. of photovoltaic arrays and 48 electric vehicle charging points, offering potential occupiers a smart and future-proof logistics space. Enquiries for Peterborough South should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents, Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton. For further information, visit www.peterboroughsouth.co.uk.

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Goodman to transform brownfield site into 1.2m sq ft prime sustainable logistics development+

Kenneth Booth July 12, 2022

Goodman to redevelop Vauxhall aftersales warehouse in Luton, Bedfordshire Proposals for up to 1.2 million sq ft of high-quality industrial and logistics space Strategically-located site ideally placed to serve Greater London and the Midlands, with 27.7 million consumers within a two-hour drivetime* Pre-let opportunities from 200,000 sq ft up to 1.2million sq ft Vauxhall’s aftersales warehouse in Luton, Bedfordshire, is set to be transformed into a 1.2 million sq ft industrial and logistics park. Goodman plans to redevelop the 60-acre brownfield site into a state-of-the-art commercial park, providing space for customers operating across the manufacturing, distribution and logistics sectors. Adjacent to Junction 11A of the M1 and just 17 miles from the M25, the site’s strategic location makes it ideally placed to serve Greater London and the Midlands, with 27.7 million consumers accessible within a two-hour drivetime*. The scheme can offer bespoke property solutions of scale and flexibility within a market which has limited availability of large-scale space. Customers will also benefit from the Borough’s local talent pool. With transportation and logistics accounting for 10.8 per cent of jobs in the area, compared to the national average of 5.1 per cent, Luton provides a large available workforce and strong skills base.** Goodman’s vision for the site is to deliver a high-quality commercial park, combining sustainably-designed warehouse space with extensive landscaping to provide customers with modern facilities in an attractive workplace environment. Goodman will take a circular approach to construction, minimising waste and use of resources. This will include reusing existing materials wherever possible, from the recycling of metal roof and wall cladding to the use of recycled aggregates on-site. The development will also utilise renewable energy sources, including full rooftops of solar photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle infrastructure. This latest commitment builds on Goodman’s wider investment in the Bedfordshire region. It has recently completed the second phase of Bedford Commercial Park, a 45-acre development and joint venture with Bedford Borough Council. Nigel Dolan, Development Director at Goodman, said: “Luton’s excellent connectivity, large labour pool and strong performance across sectors including technology, research and development, transport and logistics, makes it an ideal location for investment. “In line with our brownfield development strategy, Goodman will redevelop this site and create a highly sustainable business and employment destination of exceptional quality, while placing our customers close to large consumer populations and a readily available talent pool. We look forward to driving supply chain efficiencies for our customers in this prime location.” Work is expected to start in 2023, subject to planning. For more information, please visit the website for further details. *Source: Esri & Michael Bauer Research **Source: ONS

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TRAMMELL CROW COMPANY BREAKS GROUND IN EUROPE, WITH GLENCAR BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION IN MILTON KEYNES

Kenneth Booth July 4, 2022

Trammell Crow Company (TCC), a leading global developer and investor in commercial real estate, has begun work on its first European logistics site, a 19.4-acre scheme that will deliver three Grade A logistics buildings in Milton Keynes, UK.   With construction now underway by principal contractor Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, and completion due for spring 2023, TCC’s Milton Keynes site will comprise three speculative logistics buildings totaling approximately 340,000 sq ft at Merton Drive, with building clear heights from 39 ft to 49 ft. The buildings will provide increased load capacity on the roof to accommodate photovoltaic arrays and additional natural daylighting. They will also house transformers and primary electrical frameworks for increased electrical demand and reserves of power; have infrastructure suitable for electric vehicle charging; provide increased capacity of floor slabs for floor-standing mezzanines and pick-towers; and have the flexibility to accommodate various office configurations. CBRE acted as the planning consultant on the project and Chetwoods as the architects. Since launching in Europe in 2021, TCC has acquired three sites in strategically important logistics locations in the UK (in Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Heywood), two in Germany (both near Berlin), three in Spain (in Granollers near Barcelona, and Cabanillas and Alovera near Madrid), and one in the Czech Republic. In keeping with its global standards, TCC will target BREEAM Excellent certification across all its logistics projects. Graham Reece, Head of European Logistics Construction at Trammell Crow Company, said: “With construction having begun on our first European site, set to be closely followed by our Sheffield and Spanish sites, Trammell Crow Company has taken another step towards being one of Europe’s leading developers of prime industrial and logistics space. We’re building these assets with a sharp focus on quality, ensuring they have the flexibility, the energy supply and the ESG credentials to meet investors’ and occupiers’ needs now and the future, staying ahead of whatever demands regulations and technology introduce.” Pete Goodman, Managing Director Midlands and North at Glencar, said: “As Trammell Crow Company’s inaugural project since coming to Europe Glencar are extremely proud and honored to have been appointed to construct this fantastic new speculative logistics site and we look forward to delivering. It’s great to see the fantastic progress that has already been made with the site being levelled and ground being stabilized ahead of vertical construction later in the summer. “We have worked very closely with TCC and the planning and design teams to design a scheme that we will build to an extremely high specification and which is future proofed to meet investor and occupier requirements going forward together with being ahead of cutting edge ESG credentials and energy demands.”

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Stoford completes new double development at Exeter Logistics Park

Kenneth Booth July 1, 2022

Stoford has delivered more than 83,500 sq ft of new industrial/logistics accommodation at a job-creating logistics location in East Devon. The leading commercial property developer has completed construction of two new sustainable developments at Exeter Logistics Park, a 55-acre site in Clyst Honiton owned by the Church Commissioners for England. They include a new 55,000 sq ft parcel distribution service centre on behalf of DHL and a high specification unit of c.28,500 sq ft which has been developed speculatively in partnership with Urban Logistics REIT. The developments have the potential to create more than 100 new jobs. DHL’s new bespoke facility will deliver the same employment level as a typically larger scale unit but has been designed to minimise the number of vehicles required on site, to reduce its environmental footprint. The building benefits from several sustainability features including PV solar panels, EV charging points, a sustainable urban drainage system and a green roof atop integral office areas. The new speculative development is a flexible industrial/warehouse space with integral first floor fitted offices and is expected to operate as a conventional facility. It includes 8m clear haunch height, 35m yard depth, three level access doors, cycle storage and 38 car parking spaces. Both new developments are EPC A rated and meet BREEAM ‘very good’ standards, and will benefit from onsite trim trail and outdoor gym areas, including bodyweight exercise equipment. Stoford is lead developer for Exeter Logistics Park and has recently signed a new long-term site wide agreement with the Church Commissioners for England that will unlock future phases of development at the former Hayes Farm. The agreement paves the way for an additional c.500,000 sq ft of industrial/logistics accommodation that will be developed on a design and build basis, with new units made available on freehold or leasehold terms. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford said: “Exeter Logistics Park is already one of the region’s leading business parks and is enabling distribution and logistics businesses to thrive in purpose-built buildings. We have placed a large emphasis on the sustainability credentials of the scheme, as well as promoting employee health and wellbeing, which is attracting occupiers of the calibre of DHL. Speculative development underlines our confidence in the quality and location of the scheme and we expect the building to let quickly.” John Barker, Development Director at investor, Urban Logistics REIT, said: “We were delighted to work with Stoford and the Church Commissioners in delivering these two units. Pre-letting and speculative development demonstrates the strength of the location, quality of the product and the demand in the market.” Exeter Logistics Park is part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point economic development zone near Exeter Airport. The scheme includes improvements to the local transport infrastructure, with a new access road and signalised traffic junction off the B3174 London Road and excellent access to junction 29 of M5 motorway. It is estimated that Exeter Logistics Park could contribute between £90 million – £105 million to the regional economy when fully complete. All enquiries regarding Exeter Logistics Park should be directed to the scheme’s retained agents, JLL and Cushman & Wakefield.

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CITRUS SECURES £75M FUNDING FOR INTEGRA 61 DURHAM

Kenneth Booth June 29, 2022

Work Starts On Speculative Development Of Circa 650,000 Sq Ft in Five New Industrial Units Citrus Durham (“Citrus”) has secured £75M funding to enable the speculative development of circa 650,000 sq ft of new industrial space, to be known as Connect, at the Integra 61 mixed-use project at J61 of the A1(M), Durham.  Avison Young and Colliers acted for Citrus Durham on the funding. Connect will comprise a 342,000 sq ft industrial/logistics development of four high quality units ranging from 43,000 to 152,000 sq ft. In addition, a 298,000 sq ft stand-alone, 15 metre high bay industrial/warehouse unit will be delivered on an adjacent plot. Connect 298 will be the largest speculatively developed industrial/warehouse unit in the North East for over a decade and will fill a crucial void in the regional supply pipeline. Avison Young and CBRE will be marketing the new units to potential occupiers, helping to meet the demand for high quality new build industrial/warehouse accommodation in the region. GMI Construction has been appointed as contractor for the build and work has started on site with the Connect units ready for occupation in summer next year. The acute shortages of high-quality modern logistics/industrial supply in the North East have been analysed by the Citrus team and the units have been sized to satisfy the growing regional demand for units in this range. Integra 61 is one of the North East’s most significant regeneration projects with outline consent in place for over 3 million sq ft of employment space with the potential to create some 4,000 jobs.  Already home to Amazon’s 2m sq ft Fulfilment Centre, occupiers can choose design and build packages for units to meet their specific requirements, and this speculative phase of development will satisfy those companies looking for space that is already under construction. David Cullingford, Project Lead for Integra 61 and Citrus, said; “The funding will accelerate delivery of the next phase of development at Integra 61. 2022 is proving to be an exciting year with lots of activity on-site and we are looking forward to delivering these new speculative units as quickly as possible. We have a real opportunity here to make a significant contribution to the regional pipeline for industrial/logistics accommodation and to ease the well-documented shortages in the North East. This is a thriving region with a superb workforce and businesses and we hope to bring more jobs and opportunities with this next multi-million pound investment at Integra 61.” Located at J61 of the A1(M), Integra 61 is just 4 miles away from the City of Durham and will also include circa 270 new homes, 70-bed hotel, family pub/restaurant, nursery, drive-thrus and a number of trade counter/roadside units all adding to the diverse offering.

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Caddick Construction completes 180,000 sq ft. regional commercial hub at Mirfield

Kenneth Booth June 29, 2022

Caddick Construction, on behalf of Caddick Group and AAA Property Group, has completed 180,000 sq ft of commercial space at Moor Park 25, Mirfield, West Yorkshire. The second phase of this industrial and logistics development includes five new buildings ranging from 19,000-59,000 sq ft. The development at Moor Park 25, located in close proximity to Junction 25 of the M62, started in 2019. Phase 1 completed in 2020 and was immediately let to Incora, the aeronautics supply chain specialist. Caddick Developments subsequently ‘forward sold’ this next phase of five units to AAA Property Group, which also purchased the Phase 1 building as part of its expansion into the industrial and logistics sector. Identified as one of 10 Enterprise Zones across Leeds City Region, it is set to inject a cash boost of up to £12.5million to the local economy. All five new units are in advanced negotiations. Caddick Construction, with support from KPP Architects, was retained for both phases and worked alongside structural and engineering consultancy Dudleys, engaged specifically to support Phase 2. Chris Wilson, Commercial Development Director, of Caddick Construction said: “It’s great to see such demand for the units resulting in the scheme being fully let well before completion. The quality of the build, its facilities and prime connectivity to the M62 corridor are all particularly sought after in the north, in a very competitive market.” Myles Hartley, managing director of Caddick Development said:“With demand for light industrial and logistics floorspace continuing to grow a-pace, we’re delighted to be delivering what growing local and regional businesses want. It’s great seeing the project come to completion, and we look forward to the benefits it will bring to the region’s economy and growth.” Anil Chima, director of AAA Property Group added:“We are delighted to have been able to work with fellow Yorkshire-based Caddick, and be able to bring forward a scheme that will contribute so positively to the local areas – particularly in light of the need for Covid-19 economic recovery. The investment into the project will provide many jobs as well as provide much-needed industrial space in the region.” The project has involved working closely with both Kirklees Council, and the Leeds City Region (LEP) in their role overseeing key strategic enterprise zones. Joint agents on the project are Avison Young and Dove Haigh Philips.

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