Local dignitaries joined Tritax Symmetry and Readie Construction to mark the progress made on the new 552,500 sq ft state-of-the-art distribution centre and offices for publishing house HarperCollins UK at Nova Business Park in Robroyston, Glasgow.
Councillor Graham Campbell, Councillor Audrey Dempsey and Councillor Thomas Rannachan met the project team to see the site, which is currently the largest logistics development project in Scotland.
The developer acquired the 33.6 acre / 13.6-hectare vacant site from Scottish Enterprise in March 2022 after securing planning approval from Glasgow City Council. The building comprises 500,000 sq ft of class 6 warehouse space, 52,500 sq ft of office accommodation and associated infrastructure. The project team includes UMC Architects, Colliers, Tier Consulting, C4 Projects, Tate Consulting and Systra.
HarperCollins is relocating from Westerhill in Bishopbriggs, just 2.6 miles away, to the new facility which will support around 500 jobs when in operation. An additional 350 employment roles are expected to be created as part of the construction and landscaping phases of the project
Speaking about the proposals, Andrew Bain, construction director at Tritax Symmetry, commented: “HarperCollins has a 200-year history in in Glasgow and we are pleased to be playing a key role in its next chapter in Scotland. Work has started and is progressing well aided by a good spell of weather and we look forward to delivering this exceptional facility for HarperCollins with a scheduled completion date of the base build in February 2023, after which HarperCollins will commence their fitout.’’
Laura Meyer, CIO at HarperCollins said: “As a business, we have a long and proud association with Glasgow and we are delighted to be investing in this highly sustainable new facility which will ensure our company continues to grow and meet the needs of our key customers and third party clients.”
Jane Martin, managing director at Scottish Enterprise continued: “Scottish Enterprise continues to work closely with HarperCollins and our local partners to ensure that this new, innovative Glasgow distribution facility continues to attract investment and create jobs for the local economy, as well as the positive impact it will have on Scotland’s wider economy.”
Colliers advised Tritax Symmetry on the leasing and planning for the scheme. Iain Davidson, director, Industrial and Logistics at Colliers commented: “This is a really significant deal as it is the largest industrial pre-let in over a decade in Scotland, particularly in a sector which has record-low availability. We are pleased to have been able to secure such an internationally renowned organisation, with such a long history in Glasgow, for this new sustainable facility.”
