Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has signed the third pre-lease agreement at its sustainable modern logistics development in Kent.

Evri, the UK’s biggest dedicated parcel delivery company, will become the third occupier, signing a 15-year lease for a 78,794 sq ft facility, which will be a net carbon zero development. With 28 dock doors, six level access doors and a 64m yard, it will increase Evri’s network capacity and fulfil its growth in the area. Around 150 jobs will be created at the facility, which will be operational later this year.

The new facility will be able to handle more than 220,000 parcels each day, more than double as many as its previous site in the area, with the ability to operate 24/7 if required.  It forms part of the ongoing investment programme by Evri UK to expand its capacity to meet the huge demand created by people shopping at home during the pandemic and the continuing growth in the sector.

Panattoni welcomes Evri’s sustainable commitment at the park, the new facility will benefit from EV charging, as Evri now has 30% electric vehicle ParcelShop fleet, as well as smart lighting, rainwater harvesting, low carbon heating and solar panels. The unit will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and EPC A+.

This will be Evri’s third bespoke facility in the UK developed by Panattoni in the last two years, with the second at Panattoni Park Bolton, which Evri took occupation of in September to support its UK expansion plans.

Alex Mitchell, Development Associate at Panattoni, said: “It is great to work with Evri again and assist with its nationwide expansion. This is our third letting at the Park to a leading logistics company and justified our confidence in the location and ability to provide a sustainable platform for occupiers. We look forward to seeing the new Evri unit taking shape as work has now commenced.”.

Deborah Faithfull, Estates Manager at Evri said: “It was a pleasure working with Panattoni again to deliver a bespoke facility for Evri which will facilitate the growth of the business as demand has continued to increase during the pandemic. The sustainability initiatives are key to Evri’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. We are also delighted to be bringing additional

jobs to the area and this new depot will continue to help us process and deliver a record number of parcels for all our clients and customers”.

Agents at Panattoni Park Aylesford are CBRE, Avison Young and JLL. Evri was represented by Lambert Smith Hampton.