Author: connor

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 

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, proudly announces its strategic partnership with WiredScore, reinforcing its commitment to digital connectivity and infrastructure resilience across its developments. As one of the launch clients for WiredScore Industrial in the UK and Ireland, Panattoni is pioneering the adoption of this globally recognised certification in the industrial and logistics sector.

Panattoni Park Coventry will be the first of Panattoni’s developments awarded WiredScore certification, further demonstrating Panattoni’s reputation for delivering state-of-the-art industrial spaces. This accreditation represents a key milestone in Panattoni’s ongoing commitment to advancing technological resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and future-ready industrial spaces.

WiredScore, established in 2013, helps landlords assess, optimise, and showcase their properties’ digital infrastructure. Its globally recognised certification strengthens brand positioning, attracts tenants, and supports long-term asset value.

This accreditation showcases Panattoni’s dedication to technological resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and future-ready industrial spaces, ensuring its developments meet the highest industry standards and support the evolving digital needs of modern businesses.

By partnering with WiredScore, Panattoni will continue to enhance digital connectivity across its developments, ensuring they meet the highest industry standards and adapt to the evolving demands of modern businesses. Panattoni is setting a new benchmark for technology-enabled logistics and warehouse spaces, strengthening digital connectivity across its portfolio. As businesses increasingly prioritise connectivity in site selection, WiredScore-accredited developments will position Panattoni at the forefront of the market, distinguishing its spaces as hubs for innovation and operational efficiency.

Oliver Winchcombe, Head of Portfolio Management and ESG at Panattoni, commented on the news, saying: “We are really excited to be working with WiredScore on their launch into the industrial sector as it provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the digital connectivity and infrastructure resilience of our development.

As we enter an era of tenants having a growing reliance on smart technologies, including automation, AI, and data-driven operations, ensuring our developments are at the cutting-edge of connectivity is a strategic priority. The WiredScore certification reinforces our leadership in the sector and commitment to delivering future-proofed logistics spaces that empower businesses with the digital capability they need to succeed.”

Tom Vaughan-Fowler, Regional Director, UK, Ireland and Middle East, WiredScore added: “Our launch into industrial is a natural next step for WiredScore as we continue to shape the future of technology in the built environment. Owners and developers in the industrial space have much to think about: evolving occupier demands, pressure to keep up with the drive towards net zero, higher operating costs and the omnipresent potential for disruption thanks to AI.

As such, we are excited to be working with Panattoni, one of the forward-thinking developers in the market, who recognise that by investing in technology, they are setting themselves up for future success.”

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, announces the completion of a bespoke built-to-suit (BTS) 621,000 sq ft facility and its occupation by Tesco, the UK’s leading retailer, at Panattoni Park Aylesford. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in supporting supply chain efficiency for Tesco, enabling enhanced logistics and operational capabilities.

The new facility was designed in close collaboration with Tesco to meet the company’s specific operational needs. It features a 300,000 sq ft chilled section, a 100,000 sq ft freezer area, and extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support Tesco’s transition to an electric HGV fleet.

The state-of-the-art buildings will play a crucial role in Tesco’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of its supply chain and bolster its capacity to meet customer demand, integrating advanced technologies to optimise logistics operations while supporting sustainability initiatives.

This landmark project marks a major milestone in delivering sustainable logistics infrastructure and driving significant economic growth in the region. The facility is expected to support Tesco’s operations while contributing to the local economy and generating new jobs.

Panattoni’s focus on sustainability is illustrated by achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification and EPC ‘A’ rating on Tesco’s.

Tony Watkins, Head of Development: South East & London at Panattoni said: “The 621,000 sq ft facility is the culmination of our vision for the project to deliver cutting-edge operational capabilities for Tesco, creating jobs and generating benefits for Kent. This facility will also bring amenities such as retail, dining, and services, while driving investment in logistics and local businesses.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This development showcases our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration with tenants such as Tesco, the local community, and stakeholders. Together, we have delivered a facility that sets a new benchmark for modern logistics.”

Stuart Moffat, Head of Development – Distribution at Tesco said: “We have worked with Panattoni over the past few years to develop a bespoke facility that meets our operational needs while supporting our distribution and sustainability goals. Panattoni has proven to be such an efficient and proactive developer, and a fantastic partner in delivering this project at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This built-to-suit facility is particularly vital for us, incorporating cutting-edge ESG features, including 90,000 sq metres of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure that we have invested in to support our vehicles and staff.”

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, hosted a steel signing ceremony to commemorate the progress of the Panattoni Park Central A1[M] project. This landmark event celebrates the start of the steel erection phase of the largest speculative logistics warehouse currently under construction in the UK.

Located near Junction 34 of the A1(M) on the border of Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, Panattoni Park Central A1[M] is strategically positioned to provide seamless access to major road networks including the A1, M1, M18, and M180, making it a prime hub for national and international supply chains. The facility will span 770,000 sq ft and is designed with sustainability at its core, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and offices rating EPC ‘A+’.

The project, which is on schedule to be completed by Q4 2025. The site will feature state-of-the-art facilities including 8 level access doors, 100 dock doors, 595 car parking spaces and 217 HGV trailer parking spaces.

The event included key stakeholders, project partners, and local dignitaries, including members of Bassetlaw District Council, highlighting the economic and environmental impact of Panattoni’s continued investment in sustainable logistics solutions.

Panattoni is also marketing Central A1[M] 460, a cross-docked build-to-suit opportunity on the adjacent plot, offering up to 500,000 sq ft of additional industrial space to meet growing demand for high-quality logistics infrastructure across the region.

Dan Burn, Head of Development for the North West and Yorkshire at Panattoni commented on the news, saying: “Panattoni Park Central A1[M] represents a bold statement about the future of logistics in the UK, and the steel signing is a momentous occasion to celebrate the collaborative efforts that have brought us to this stage.

This project will not only provide state-of-the-art and highly sustainable facilities but also support regional growth through job creation and supply chain enhancements. With a workforce highly skilled in manufacturing and logistics, and competitive wage levels, the location is ideal for this large-scale development. The project is expected to attract major occupiers and drive continued investment in the region.”

Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Bassetlaw District Council, also expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s fantastic that Panattoni has made such a significant investment in our community, and it is clear they have a commitment to fostering economic growth and providing job opportunities in the region.

“We are especially pleased to learn about Panattoni’s plans to create highly skilled opportunities that will help to drive up wage growth in our district and maximise the skills of residents.

“The Council has an ambition for Bassetlaw to become the greenest, most sustainable district in which to live and work, and Panattoni’s determination for this warehouse to be as environmentally sustainable as possible aligns with our own vision.

“We are excited to see the positive impact that Panattoni Park Central A1[M] can bring to new and existing businesses, residents and our communities.”

For more information on Panattoni Park Central A1[M] please visit www.panattoni.co.uk/centrala1m

The agents for the scheme are DTRE, Cushman & Wakefield and M1 Agency.