E-commence continues to fuel a boom in logistics says commercial property agent Prop-Search, with Daventry well placed to build on its already impressive ‘guest list’ of occupiers.
With many companies such as Amazon, Tesco and Sainsburys conscious of their carbon footprint – as well as growing road congestion – they have been keen to explore the viability of rail freight as part of their commitment to the most sustainable way of transporting goods across the country. Prologis’s plans to deliver a 300 hectare expansion of Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal – DIRFT III – will certainly help the town attract more household names from this sector, looking to embrace the benefits of rail.
The proposed third phase of DIRFT includes a rail link from the existing terminal to a replacement rail terminal, which includes new transhipment sidings, container storage and a HGV reception area. The buildings will provide up to 7.86 million sq ft of rail served logistics and distribution floorspace – to be delivered over the next 15 years, resulting in the creation of 9,000 new jobs. The first buildings are likely to be ready of occupation by the end of the year.
IDI Gazeley has recently completed the construction of a 297,320 sq ft warehouse unit at G Park, featuring a 12.5m clear internal height, 28 dock doors and three level access doors, 120 HGV parking spaces and 230 car parking spaces. The company took the decision to speculatively construct this property given Daventry’s proven location for logistics – hoping to attract a company looking to expand into space close to the M1/M6/M69.
But it is not just e-commence and distribution companies that want to set up home in Daventry. Figures obtained from a provider of online company formations showed that in excess of 650 new companies were established in the town during 2015. So whilst Daventry has become a major hub for logistic operators, the town also has a well-balanced economy, generated by a broad mix of employment including a high number of independent businesses.
Plans have recently been submitted for the construction of three new warehouses – totalling 345,000 sq ft – on land off Leamington Way, next to the Ford buildings. The application from Canmoor Developments is for the redevelopment of the 22 acre site, previously occupied by a training centre, to create a high-quality development to suit the needs of local businesses. It is hoped that this will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of neighbouring properties, bringing more new employment to the area. The application also includes provision for 250 car parking spaces for workers, along with bays for deliveries by HGV.
Around 115 new jobs could also be on the way as Daventry District Council moves ahead with plans to expand the Marches Industrial Estate. The Council has recently discussed opening up a new area of the industrial estate known as the Knoll; a patch of shrubs and trees in the centre of the estate, off South March. The indicative masterplan for the 2.2 hectare site shows there could be up to seven units – five smaller ones and two larger – suitable for light industry or businesses. The new units could provide a total of 29,000 sq ft of floorspace, with 115 parking spaces giving an indication of the number of jobs estimated to be created.
Elsewhere in the town, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has committed to lease an 85,262 sq ft speculative warehouse at Prologis’ Apex Park. Construction started at the end of August 2015 with completion imminent. Hellmann will use the facility to service a number of new and existing customers.
Flooring Superstore, an expanding online retailer of carpets and flooring, has also invested a reported £650,000 in a new transport depot in Daventry that will create eight new jobs. The firm says the investment in the new 10,000 sq ft facility on the Royal Oak Industrial Estate will allow for easier access and quicker delivery times.
The town has unfortunately recently suffered one set back in its growth, with the 65,000 sq ft Mulberry Place retail scheme placed on hold. This new town centre development, on land north of the High Street, was granted planning permission back in November 2013 and included a five-screen cinema and a new library – funded by Northamptonshire County Council. However, this project has now been halted with the Council stating that it is not ‘economically viable’ at this time.
However, a redesign of a major retail site on land in the Waterloo/Gasworks/Chaucer Way area of the town – known as Town Centre Vision Site 5 – has been revealed. The site received outline planning permission in June 2014 for a new large supermarket and petrol filling station but has now been revised – following many national supermarket chains shelving plans for new large store openings – to provide two smaller food stores, alongside six retail units. The revised proposals also include a family restaurant, fast food restaurant, a 60-bedroom hotel and a McCarthy & Stone retirement housing complex. Daventry District Council’s development partner Henry Boot Developments is expected to submit a full planning application shortly.
