Plans have been given the go-ahead to Tritax Big Box and Bericote Properties for a 2.3 million sq ft warehouse in Dartford
Tritax Big Box has received planning consent and exchanged contracts with an on-line retailer to pre-let a new ‘Mega Box’ logistics building. The pre-let and planning consent covers the Phase 2 and part of Phase 3 plots of the company’s Littlebrook warehouse in Dartford.
The development in Dartford comprises a 2.3 million sq ft logistics building on 35.5 acres within London’s orbital M25 motorway and next to critical transport infrastructure.
Dartford Borough Council has given planning consent for what will be DPD’s 36th new format hub built in the UK since 2011, which will be delivered as an additional phase of the established Park.
The developer has committed to achieving a net-zero carbon building.
The warehouse in Dartford will play a key role in the customer’s local and national distribution and fulfilment network. It will also deliver economic and employment benefits to the area.
Following completion, the customer will occupy over 7 million sq ft of Big Box logistics space.
The Littlebrook development project, formerly the site of a decommissioned power station, is adjacent to the QE2 Bridge, Dartford Tunnel and on the south bank of the River Thames and has the potential to become one of London’s largest Big Box logistics parks in a critical “last journey” location inside the M25.
The plans
With its development partner, Bericote Properties, Tritax Big Box has successfully secured detailed planning permission from Dartford Borough Council for this pre-let development.
Practical completion is expected in Summer 2021, the building will target an “Excellent” BREEAM and EPC A ratings, with key features including:
- Gross internal floor area of c.2.3 million sq ft, including three structural mezzanine floors
- Clear internal height of 20 metres
- High levels of automation through capital investment by the customer
- Substantial 3.5 MW solar PV scheme.
Sustainable logistics
Colin Godfrey, CEO of fund management, said: “The signing of this pre-let for a 2.3 million sq ft prime logistics facility is a great achievement and demonstrates our strategy is working.
“By combining our deep understanding of the market and long-standing customer relationships forged across existing high-quality assets with an attractive development portfolio, we are creating significant value for our customers and investors.
“Furthermore, recent macro events are accelerating substantial tailwinds for our business through the ongoing adoption of e-commerce platforms as consumers increasingly shop online.
“This enhances our existing portfolio with a substantial, prime and sustainable logistics investment at an attractive yield on cost as we advance our plans to transform this disused brownfield site into a new premium logistics park.
“Working with our partner Bericote, the development of the site will not only deliver much sought-after high specification logistics space for London, but will also bring enhanced local infrastructure and significant employment opportunities to the local area, strengthening its economic growth.”
