Commercial property consultant Knight Frank says the South Yorkshire logistics hub is now a strong alternative to traditional Midlands-based locations, through its availability of accommodation and land, nearby workforce and superb transport links.
The growth of developments around Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and Sheffield has seen new and expanding names attracted to the region.
Private sector investment of more than £500m has come forward with speculative developments being targeted as developers look to capitalise on the region’s growth and further potential as a UK logistics hub and limited availability.
Rebecca Schofield, head of the Yorkshire industrial team at Knight Frank in Sheffield, said: “The South Yorkshire logistics hub is located in the heart of the UK logistics and distribution network and is really offering occupiers and developers a real alternative to the Midlands. It is a great place to do business especially for both new and expanding firms.
“DSA has seen a strong growth in cargo operations handling more than 10,000 tonnes of cargo freight a year with the potential to increase to 250,000 tonnes. Seven other major international airports are within 90 minutes also.
Rebecca added: “The transport infrastructure is there. Occupiers in the Logistics Hub have direct access to the UK national road and rail network plus direct services to Europe via the Channel Tunnel. They are also around 60 minutes from the UK’s leading port and largest deep sea docks.
Developer Trebor is currently building four units totalling of 600,000 sq ft of commercial industrial property in the region.
Bob Tattrie, Managing Partner of Trebor, which is delivering around three million square feet of projects nationally, said: “This is the place for development in the logistics sector. Our developments benefit from being in excellent locations, having outstanding infrastructure and being located next to a fast-growing regional airport.”
Trebor’s construction on Doncaster’s Gateway 4, the largest speculative, industrial development currently in the region offering 409,000 sq ft, and is due to be finished later this year.
Also under advanced construction is its Avion scheme at Aero Centre at Doncaster Sheffield Airport which offers two high-quality units, suitable for manufacturing or distribution uses at 45,876 sq ft and 59,159 sq ft.
While the 78,458 sq ft Atomic 31 at Dinnington in Rotherham, which benefits from large yards and first floor office accommodation, is now ready to lease or purchase with immediate occupation for B1/B2 and B8 use.
Joint agents with Knight Frank across the Trebor developments are CPP, with CBRE on Atomic 31 and Gateway4.
