On the back of considerable demand for the second phase of development at Symmetry Park Biggleswade, where all four buildings are now fully let prior to Practical Completion (PC), national logistics developer Tritax Symmetry has submitted a detailed planning application for 930,000 sq ft of highly sustainable logistics space at the scheme.
The submission comes after the developer announced the final two lettings of the speculatively developed ‘net zero carbon in construction’ units on Phase 2 to Bidfood and Bowman Ingredients.
Bidfood, one of the largest food wholesalers in the UK, has taken Unit 02 (160,000 sq ft) and Bowman Ingredients has occupied Unit 03 (75,000 sq ft), representing an expansion of their current operation in the town. The announcement follows on from Noatum Logistics’ recent commitment to take the speculatively developed Unit 04 (230,000 sq ft) at the end of last year and Bond International, now occupying 112,000 sq ft, also on Phase 2. Phase 1 is occupied by the Co-operative Group and houses their BREEAM Excellent 661,000 sq ft regional distribution centre.
Significantly, all four occupiers on Phase 2 have signed up to use the new 2MW Energy Centre which has been installed on site following a joint venture agreement with sustainable energy solutions provider, BasePower. The Energy Centre supplies customers at the Park with more resilient energy services and greener, cheaper power. The latest buildings have all being delivered to ‘net zero carbon in construction’ in line with all Tritax Symmetry’s new logistics facilities within its portfolio.
Speaking about the success at Symmetry Park, Biggleswade, Tom Leeming, Development Director at Tritax Symmetry, commented: “To have reached full occupation of this 577,000 sq ft development prior to practical completion demonstrates the compelling offer we have successfully created here at Symmetry Park Biggleswade. By continually listening to our customers, we fully understand their occupational requirements for more resilient, greener power solutions and more sustainable, state of the art buildings. The development has brought in excess of £100m of investment to Biggleswade and Central Bedfordshire with the additional benefit of creating hundreds of new jobs.”
Claire Cox, head of property at Bidfood, continued: “It’s an extremely exciting time for the business as we look forward to opening our second new depot of 2023 in Bedfordshire.
“It has been fantastic working alongside Tritax Symmetry to develop the new site in Bedfordshire, which will further strengthen our depot network and in turn, our service in the South East.
“The new depot is designed with the latest technology and fittings to support us in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Alex Masih, Managing Director at Bowman Ingredients commented: “We are delighted to have expanded into Unit 03 at Symmetry Park. It is an ideal location for our business. Over the last 12 months our business has delivered significant growth and the new facility will provide additional capacity to produce and supply food coatings to both UK and EU customers. The additional capacity will benefit all our customers, paving the way for the next phase of sustainable growth for the business and the wider Solina Group. It is a pleasure to work with Tom and his team as we continue to build a long-term relationship.”
Cllr Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council commented: “Central Bedfordshire is well and truly open for business, creating jobs and further investment for the local area. It’s been truly fantastic to see both new and existing companies move into the highly sustainable accommodation that has been created at Symmetry Park, Biggleswade, and we wish all the businesses who have moved to the scheme every success.”
The project team includes Readie Construction; Savills (project management); Feasibility (QS); AJA Architects; Dunwoody (MEP); Hydrock (Civils & Structures) and Woods Hardwick (Planning).
Colliers and Bidwells are joint letting agents for the scheme.
Simon Russell of Solace Property Consultancy advised Bidfood.
Gordon Reynolds of C&W represented Noatum Logistics.
Tim Harding of Colliers advised Bowman Ingredients
