Construction works at Southampton’s £30m South Central development are nearing completion as the scheme’s first occupier, John Lewis Partnership, prepares to move in later this year.
The development, the first major speculative scheme to be announced in the Southampton area in a decade, is expected to bring 750 jobs to the area. John Lewis will occupy the 46,080 sq ft Unit 3 at the site for use as a regional distribution centre when they relocate from their current warehouse in West Quay Road, Southampton.
Industrial property specialists at Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), joint agents for the scheme with JLL on behalf of the developer, Peel Logistics Property, report high levels of interest in the remaining two units as work progresses.
Adrian Whitfield, Director, Industrial and Logistics at LSH’s South Coast offices, said: “Securing John Lewis Partnership as the first announced occupier is a huge endorsement for South Central. We are in talks with several potential occupiers for the remaining two units, who have expressed interest because of the high quality of the units and the development’s excellent transport links.”
David McGougan, Director at JLL Southampton office, added: “This development is highly significant for the region, as its speculative nature underlines the confidence that remains in the economy in the south. Everyone involved in South Central is justifiably proud of the scheme and its benefits to the region, and we are excited to welcome the first occupiers when the development opens on target in May.”
South Central is being developed by Peel Logistics Property, whose funding partner for the project is Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP.
South Central’s two remaining units are Unit 1 at 116,895 sq ft and Unit 2 at 39,075 sq ft. Each detached unit has a Grade A specification including dock and level access loading doors, 11 metre eaves, large secure self-contained yard and full access raised floor offices.
The site’s location, within two miles of Dock Gate 20 of the Port of Southampton, its 24/7 hours of operation and close transport links to the M27 and M271, make it ideally suited to occupiers in the distribution, storage and manufacturing sectors.
