EXCLUSIVE: Whitbread seeks industrial scheme on site of South Mimms Premier Inn

By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

THE COMPANY secured Bridge Industrial as development partner to bring forward the proposals which while within the greenbelt is considered grey belt as it has already been developed.

The outline application  is for the demolition of the existing unviable hotel and redevelopment of the 4.35 acre site to provide a single BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rated industrial and logistics building of an 83,500 ft2.

In its consultation papers the company said: “Whitbread is proposing to build a new high-

quality industrial and logistics building in South Mimms, redeveloping the existing Premier Inn hotel to provide much-needed industrial and logistics space, adjacent to the strategic transport network.”

The site is previously developed land in the Green Belt, which means it is now defined as Grey Belt land and classified as suitable for development. It is surrounded by predominantly

industrial buildings and large areas of hard standing within South Mimms Motorway Service Area.

Whitbread will use the profits it makes from the scheme to support its Premier Inn network growth. It said it was investing in new hotel locations across the UK by repurposing existing hotels for alternative and sustainable uses.

“The South Mimms Premier Inn is one of the sites we are looking to repurpose. The hotel, originally built in the 1990s, is coming to the end of its life span and has been operating at below average occupancy rates for some time.

“The proposals respond to local demand for smaller-to-medium sized, modern, and sustainable industrial and logistics building spaces – which are in short supply across Hertsmere, South-West Hertfordshire, and the wider area. South Mimms is in a prime location for these proposals, positioned directly adjacent to both the A1(M) and M25 motorways, which in turn opens up access to the wider strategic road network.”

Newmark advised as planning consultant.