Author: connor

Panattoni, Europe’s largest developer of industrial and logistics real estate, has commenced construction of a 915,000 sq ft speculative logistics facility at Panattoni Park Swindon—setting a new benchmark as the largest project of its kind ever undertaken in the UK.

The milestone follows the letting of Panattoni’s previous record-breaking development, an 885,000 sq ft unit at Avonmouth, underscoring the strength of demand in the large-scale logistics market and reaffirming the company’s confidence in its speculative development strategy.

Situated on the 360-acre site of the former Honda manufacturing plant, Panattoni Park Swindon is set to become a transformative logistics and industrial hub, delivering 7.2 million sq ft of state-of-the-art space. The first phase of development includes the newly launched 915,000 sq ft unit alongside a second 545,000 sq ft facility, which is already under construction. This phase represents a £300 million investment thus far, backed by U.S. capital – a major vote of confidence in the UK logistics market. Total project costs once complete will be c. £900 million and it will add over £1.2 billion to the economy over the next ten years, creating up to 7,000 jobs on site.

The site also includes a readily available plot for the largest single-unit with detailed planning permission in the UK at 1.2 million sqft, which is available on a pre-let basis and can be delivered within 10 months.

James Watson, Head of Development – Southern England & London at Panattoni UK, said:

“Having recently leased Panattoni Park Avonmouth, the largest speculative warehouse to have ever been built in the country, I’m pleased to announce today we are now commencing construction of an even larger speculative warehouse in Swindon.  Panattoni Park Swindon embodies our model: scale, location, power, and quality—delivered ahead of demand. Panattoni Park Swindon is one of our largest developments globally and will be exemplary in its class.”

Vertical construction of the 915,000 sq ft unit is set to begin in June. The facility is designed to meet the requirements of high-volume logistics and manufacturing occupiers, featuring 21-metre clear internal height, a cross-docked service yard which extends over 90 metres, and market-leading ESG credentials. It will be BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rated and achieve an EPC ‘A’ rating.

Strategically positioned just eight minutes from Junction 15 of the M4, the park enables access to 70% of the UK population within 4.5 hours, offering unparalleled connectivity for logistics operations.

Panattoni Park Swindon also places sustainability at the heart of its design. All buildings aim for Net Zero Carbon in construction, supported by on-site renewable energy generation via rooftop solar PV, EV charging infrastructure, high-efficiency lighting and cladding systems, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and smart water management.

The wider masterplan includes significant biodiversity and community benefits, including a 10% biodiversity net gain, a new public park, wildflower meadows, tree planting, green corridors, and dedicated pedestrian and cycle routes.

With the vertical build of the UK’s largest speculative logistics unit commencing this summer, Panattoni continues to lead the sector—delivering sustainable, large-scale developments that respond directly to market demand.

Savills and DTRE are appointed as leasing agents at Panattoni Park Swindon (Savills having only been appointed as joint sole agents in April 2025).

Before Honda’s acquisition in 1985, the site played a critical role in British aviation. Built by the government in 1940, it served as a shadow factory producing Miles Master trainers, Spitfires, Seafires, and later the Supermarine Swift. In 1953, a South Marston-built Swift broke the UK airspeed record at 736 mph.

From 1985 to 2021, Honda produced over three million vehicles at the site, supporting up to 3,500 jobs and supplying markets across Europe and North America. Its closure marked the end of an era – but with the launch of Panattoni Park Swindon, the site enters a new chapter in advanced logistics and industrial employment.

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, announces the successful letting of an 885,000 sq ft logistics facility at Panattoni Park Avonmouth to GXO Logistics, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, and an existing global client of Panattoni’s.

The transaction represents the UK’s largest logistics letting of 2025 to date and establishes a new benchmark for the speculative development market. The Grade-A facility, delivered on a speculative basis, forms part of the first phase of Panattoni Park Avonmouth – a major logistics and distribution campus strategically located with direct access to the M4 and M5 motorway corridors, and in close proximity to the Port of Bristol.

The facility, which is now fully committed to GXO, will serve as a cornerstone asset within the occupier’s UK network and reinforces Avonmouth’s status as a premier national logistics hub.

The building has achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A ratings and was delivered to Net Zero Carbon standards in construction. These sustainability credentials, coupled with scale, infrastructure and multimodal accessibility, reflect Panattoni’s ongoing commitment to best-in-class development and long-term market resilience.

James Watson, Head of Development – Southern England & London at Panattoni UK, commented:

“It is great for Panattoni to deliver another letting to GXO. This milestone letting to GXO underscores both the scale of Panattoni’s ambition and the depth of occupier demand for prime, sustainable logistics space in core UK markets. Avonmouth continues to emerge as a critical location for national distribution, and we are pleased to have delivered a building of this scale and quality on a speculative basis, in alignment with the needs of global operators.”

Gavin Williams, Managing Director, UK & Ireland at GXO Logistics, added:

“We’re delighted to announce that we’ve leased our new Avonmouth facility, the biggest logistics distribution centre in the Southwest,” said Gavin Williams, Managing Director of GXO UK & Ireland. “Our vast expertise working with multinational retailers has meant that we can fit out and manage a site of this scale. We’re excited to get the operation up and running, and proud to be creating so many new jobs across the southwest of England and south Wales.”

Panattoni was advised by Colliers, DTRE, JLL and Savills. GXO were advised by JLL Tenant Representative Team.

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the practical completion of phase 1 of Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, consisting of two speculative units, and the granting of planning permission for phase 2 for DPD, allowing construction to commence in April.

Local MP Kevin McKenna opened the new facility last week with key representatives from Panattoni as this is a milestone investment in Swale.

Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is located just off J5 of the M2, strategically positioned in a prime location midway between London and Dover through the M20 and M25, as well as other vital markets including Europe via London Thamesport, and the Port of Tilbury. This ensures easy access to major trunk routes, railways, and ports for tenants.

Phase 1 contains a 439,228 sq ft and a 205,320 sq ft unit, both of which benefit from enhanced ESG features, including the ability to harvest rainwater and water leak detection; 15% roof lights; EV charging; high standards of insulation and water saving to reduce energy consumption; and a roof-mounted solar PV system included within the base build, providing cost savings of £0.50 per sq ft. The units have been certified BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’, with net zero development, and are now ready to let.

Phase 2, which has been pre-let to delivery firm DPD, will encompass a 58,000 sq ft facility, and is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the region, drawing on the success of Panattoni Park Aylesford, which achieved full-site completion with planning approval for its final plot, introduced the UK’s first electric HGV charging station and has generated nearly 4,000 jobs and £180 million in annual economic value, further strengthening the South-East’s logistics landscape.

Alex Mitchell, Development Manager: South East & London at Panattoni said: “Phase 1 of Panattoni Park Sittingbourne will deliver two high-quality, ESG-pioneering speculative sheds to the market, and represents a significant step in our commitment to sustainability and strategic growth in the Southeast. We are pleased to have completed phase 1 of the development and have the units ready for tenant fit-out.

“With excellent transport links, a strong local workforce, and competitive wages, these units are ideally placed to support the operational needs of modern occupiers. Phase 2 will allow us to continue this momentum, with DPD’s presence highlighting the appeal and importance of the site as a logistics hub.”

For more information about the two units available please visit www.panattoni.co.uk/sittingbourne 

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has confirmed the acquisition of a prominent development site at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex. The project, known as Panattoni Park Braintree, is set to deliver 575,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art industrial and logistics space, bolstering both local and regional supply chain infrastructure.

Strategically positioned just over 15 minutes from London Stansted Airport and under an hour from the M25, Port of Felixstowe, and London Gateway, the site offers exceptional access to London, the Southeast, and international markets – making it an ideal location for logistics and distribution operators. This acquisition marks as a strategic launchpad into the East of England, paving the way for further development opportunities in the region.

Construction is already underway on Phase 1, which comprises a single speculative unit of 171,915 sq ft, scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. In parallel, a Reserved Matters planning application has been submitted for Phase 2, which will deliver an additional 405,000 sq ft across three units, ranging from 65,000 sq ft to 240,000 sq ft, with completion anticipated in Q4 2026.

All buildings at Panattoni Park Braintree will be delivered to leading sustainability standards, achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings and EPC ‘A’ certification. The scheme is also targeting Net Zero Carbon in construction, with sustainability-focused features such as rooftop photovoltaic panels, EV charging infrastructure, and low-energy LED lighting. Future-proofed power supplies will support occupiers’ evolving needs, while biodiverse landscaping and exercise walkways will promote employee wellbeing.

James Watson, Head of Development, Southern England & London at Panattoni, commented:

“Panattoni Park Braintree represents a key milestone in our commitment to deliver next-generation logistics hubs in the UK’s most supply-constrained and strategically important locations. This development will offer exceptional connectivity, market-leading sustainability credentials, and flexibility for occupiers seeking to future-proof their operations.

We are delighted to bring this scheme forward and contribute to Braintree’s growing position as a logistics and employment hub.”

Panattoni Park Braintree benefits from proximity to local amenities and transport links, including direct access to the A131 and the Horizon 120 Gridserve Electric Forecourt, which offers cutting-edge EV charging and retail facilities, enhancing convenience for businesses and employees alike.

Furthermore, with Braintree’s working-age population forecast to grow at more than double the national average and over 14,000 new homes planned for the area, the development will support local employment and skills advancement, further cementing its role within the community.

CBRE and Coke Gearing are appointed as the leasing agents.

For more information on this scheme, please visit: www.panattoni.co.uk/braintree

Panattoni Park Aylesford in Kent is now fully occupied after planning permission was granted for the final plot to become an electric Heavy Goods Vehicles

It means that in less than four years, Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has totally redeveloped and fully let the once vacant 90-acre site to create a logistics and distribution park for leading companies employing a total of 4,000 people.

The eHGV EV-charging station is being developed by Milence, an Amsterdam-based joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group, which opened its first UK public charging hub in March at the Port of Immingham in Humberside. When constructed, the Aylesford charging facility will offer up to eight eHGV charging bays to ensure the site can serve the eHGV operators and achieve the highest environmental standard.

Tony Watkins, Head of Development, South East & London at Panattoni, said: “Being able to offer EV charging for eHGVs fits perfectly with our ethos to create sustainable industrial development in well-connected locations. It means Aylesford will be the benchmark for high-performance, environmentally responsible logistics infrastructure.

“Like Panattoni, Milence operates in key countries across Europe, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Poland, and I’m sure there will be further opportunities to work together as the logistics industry adopts eHGVs.”

When Milence is operational it will join Amazon, DHL, Evri, Fowler Welch (part of the Culina Group) and Tesco, which are already on site. It is the largest single employment site in Tonbridge and Malling and contributes an estimated £180m to the local economy.

Panattoni invested £250m to bring the project to fruition, and Tony Watkins added: “What has been achieved at Aylesford is nothing short of miraculous. It is testiment to everyone who has worked on the scheme. 

“We have transformed the site since purchasing it in August 2021, repurposing tonnes of reinforced concrete, recycling tonnes of metal and delivering more than a million ft sq of high-quality, environmentally high-performing buildings for our world-class tenants, as well as a £7m link road to support the local transport network.”

During the construction phase, 127,000m³ of reinforced concrete from the original development were crushed and used as the base for new buildings and road infrastructure, saving 157,198kg of CO₂ by removing HGV movements from the road network.

All the Grade-A industrial units on site have achieved the environmental BREAAM ‘Excellent’ certification and feature an array of state-of-the-art infrastructure enhancements, including renewable power installations capable of generating a combined 7MVA of renewable energy via the solar PV installed on the roofs and car park canopies. Panattoni has also invested in an innovative car share scheme as a flexible, eco-friendly transport option for site users, and EV bike charging stations. Additionally, all the car parking spaces will be able to have EV chargers fitted when required.

As a result, Panattoni Park Aylesford is setting the standard for sustainable industrial developments, and the final approved plot will make it the first logistics park to offer eHGV charging capabilities.

Tony Watkins concluded: “These infrastructure enhancements, including the first-ever UK eHGV charging station, are a game-changer for the logistics industry. By providing cutting-edge sustainable solutions, we are pushing the boundaries of what a modern logistics park can offer. Our commitment to sustainability and the environment is reflected in every aspect of this development, from renewable energy to the provision of innovative transport options.

“The strong demand highlighted by the site’s full occupation demonstrates our commitment to best-in-class sustainable logistics.”

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, is pleased to announce that it has secured full reserved matters planning consent at Panattoni Park Coventry, paving the way for construction to commence this quarter on a landmark 540,000 sq ft logistics development. The first unit at the park, which will be speculatively developed, will be ready for tenant occupation in Q3 2026.

Strategically located at Junction 3 of the M6, within the UK’s ‘Golden Triangle’, Panattoni Park Coventry will offer best-in-class space in one of the country’s most supply-constrained regions. The 55-acre site provides direct access to the national motorway network and lies within a four-hour drive of 90% of the UK population.

Once delivered, it will become one of the Midlands’ largest speculative logistics units, targeting BREEAM “Outstanding” and EPC A+ credentials, meeting the rising demand from occupiers seeking future-proofed facilities in prime locations. Panattoni Park Coventry will also be Panattoni’s first project to achieve a WiredScore accreditation. WiredScore is the global digital connectivity certification that assesses and promotes best-in-class technology infrastructure in real estate. At the park, we are targeting WiredScore Platinum – the highest level of certification – reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional digital infrastructure and ensuring occupiers benefit from robust, reliable, and future-ready connectivity to support modern business needs and the evolution of AI and technology. The facility will also feature significant sustainability enhancements, including 100 EV charging points, solar PVs, water leak detection systems, and high-efficiency insulation.

The start of construction also marks an exciting period of growth for Panattoni in the Midlands, lead by Gregg Titley. To support the business’s momentum and future growth plans for the region, Panattoni has strengthened its regional team with the appointment of Patrick Clews as Development Manager. Patrick joins the expanding Midlands team at a pivotal time, bringing additional resource and expertise as we continue to deliver high-quality logistics space across the region.

Patrick Clews, Development Manager for East & West Midlands, said: “Having witnessed the Midlands market dominate occupier take-up in 2024, it is extremely exciting to announce that construction will be commencing imminently on our latest speculative development in Coventry. At over half a million square feet, it will be one of the largest speculative units currently under development in a market where we’re seeing increasing pressure from tenants who are scaling quickly into new energy-efficient facilities.

I’m excited to be joining Panattoni at such a pivotal time and to help drive the delivery of this flagship scheme.”

Panattoni is being advised on the scheme by Cushman & Wakefield and Newmark.

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the letting of a 345,284 sq ft unit at Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 to warehouse solutions and last-mile delivery business Super Smart Service.

CIRRO Fulfillment, operating under the legal entity Super Smart Service, has signed a 15-year lease and will use the space to enhance its operational capacity in the East Midlands, creating around 300 new jobs in the region and contributing £8 million to the economy.

The business operates more than 10 warehouses across the Midlands, working with partners such as Royal Mail, Yodel, Hermes, China Post, and DPD to process and dispatch parcels for e-commerce retailers including eBay and Amazon.

Panattoni Park J28 is equidistant from Birmingham and Leeds, two of the UK’s largest cities. Located off the M1, the site has direct links to Sheffield and Nottingham, as well as Birmingham via Derby through the A38. Its strategic location provides tenants with access to 71% of the UK’s population, within a 4.5 HGV journey.

The park contains a second speculative unit of 231,191 sq ft ready for immediate occupation, with both units benefitting from 15m eaves and 50m service yards, as well as two-storey hub offices. In line with Panattoni’s sustainability commitments, both units have achieved BREEAM ratings of ‘Very Good’, and EPC rating of ‘A’.

Andy Preston, Head of Development, North Midlands and Yorkshire, at Panattoni, said: “The M1/J28 is a strategic logistics location in the East Midlands, and Super Smart Service will benefit from easy access across the UK to ensure reliable and prompt delivery to consumers across the country. This letting will boost economic growth in the region, and showcases Panattoni’s ability to identify strategically-located sites and develop high-spec, state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings for use.”

Charles Lu, Head of Business Development Europe at CIRRO Fulfillment, said: “Our new agreed lease at Panattoni Park J28 provides a great base for us to expand our operational capacity and reach, and serve more domestic businesses. The size and location of the unit is crucial in our provision of second-to-none storage and distribution, and we are pleased to have worked with Panattoni to find a unit that suits our specifications and needs, and support the creation of approximately 300 new jobs and a predicted £8 million generated in the region as we continue to drive the recovery of the UK economy.”

For more information please visit here.

The leasing agents are FHP, CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield.

Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has strengthened its commitment to Milton Keynes with an agreement to acquire a prime 5-acre site, marking the next phase of its strategic expansion in the region. The new development, Panattoni Milton Keynes 100, will be a single-unit of 100,000 sq ft and bring additional high-quality, speculative industrial space to the market. 

A detailed planning application will be submitted in Q2 2025, with Panattoni’s £30 million commitment into the project to further enhance its logistics hubs in Milton Keynes. The site, acquired from owner-occupier Tesa UK Ltd, will be redeveloped following the demolition of the existing industrial unit.  

This latest prime UK acquisition provides tenants easy with access across the country. The site complements the ongoing development at Panattoni Park Milton Keynes less than one mile away, where we are delivering two large-scale units to the Southern M1 market. 

Already underway and committed, Panattoni Park Milton Keynes comprises of two speculative units; 343,666 sq ft which is now complete and ready for tenant fit-out, while the 448,366 sq ft unit is scheduled for completion in May 2025. Both units will achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and net zero carbon in construction, reflecting Panattoni’s focus on sustainability. Featuring 18m clear internal height, 55m service yards, and extensive loading capabilities, these buildings offer future occupiers best-in-class facilities in a prime logistics location near Junction 14 of the M1.  

James Watson, Head of Development, Southern England & London at Panattoni commented: “Our latest acquisition underlines our long-term commitment to Milton Keynes and our confidence in the region’s industrial and logistics market. With the completion of the new logistics hub, Panattoni Park Milton Keynes, we wanted to continue to expand our speculative offering, giving tenants flexible size options for businesses to move and grow in the region. Panattoni is offering clients modern, high-quality, sustainable space in a prime location. This investment aligns with our strategy to deliver best-in-class facilities to meet occupier demand. We look forward to bringing forward the planning and working with the community even further.” 

Panattoni was advised by Savills on the acquisition. 

For further details on Panattoni’s developments in Milton Keynes, visit www.panattoni.co.uk/our-properties