By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

DETAILS OF the new build-to-suit facility have been found in planning documents for the 1.79 million ft2 fourth phase of Tritax Big Box Development’s Symmetry Park Biggleswade submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council in July this year.

Amazon has been named as the occupier for the single largest facility on the site Unit 14 which will be built on a 47.9 acre plot. The facility will boast a 1,319,085 ft2 of warehouse space across a 664,246 ft2 ground floor and first floor 654,844 ft2 mezzanine with 36,091 ft2 of offices on a further mezzanine level and 58,911 ft2 of ancillary space for materials handling equipment. There will also be a 575 ft2 gatehouse.

Each mezzanine (ground and first floor) would primarily be occupied by automatic racking systems which are moved around bringing goods to be picked and sorted. The whole operation is computerised and automated to a high level to improve operational efficiency.

Amazon will acquire the freehold of the site as it has done for other developments which it sees as part of its critical infrastructure such as it distribution centre in Northamptonshire which it acquired off SEGRO. Planning documents note: “This site would allow Amazon the opportunity to purchase the freehold enabling control over the operations at the facility, protecting the long term future of the supply chain at this location and providing financial benefits compared to alternative sites or leasehold options, particularly when considering speed and transportation benefits to the consumer.

“Fundamentally, the facility’s specifications as an ARS can be accommodated on this plot and this is crucial to its success. The building must follow Amazon’s ARS template design to ensure operational efficiency and optimize the use of advanced robotics technology. This standardised approach ensures maximum storage density, efficient order processing, and proper environmental controls. Any deviation from these specifications could compromise the robotics systems’ effectiveness, leading to navigation issues and increased maintenance costs as well as health and safety risks in the workplace, potentially impacting the facility’s overall viability.”

The Amazon facility will include parking for 148 HGVs and 560 cars as well as 112no. live and 112 no. passive electric vehicle charging bays

According to the planning documents: “This building would be a multi-million-pound investment in the site by TBBD and Amazon. Unit 14 will provide jobs [comprising 60 different types of roles] ranging from administration and entry level logistics roles through to skilled technical [engineering] managerial positions. As the operation matures, the number of roles will be approximately 1,900+. In addition to the numbers and types of roles, Amazon will provide extensive training and skills packages which can deliver lasting benefits to the area.”

Symmetry Park Biggleswade Phase 4 will include three other speculatively built warehouse units of 75,800 ft2, 136,300 ft2 and 163,550 ft2. The total site size 105.71 acres of which 66.72 acres is net developable.

In total Phase 4, which has an estimated construction spend of £300 million, is expected to create around 2,325 on site jobs once operational as well as the creation of a further 280 on site jobs annually on average during construction, with additional benefits to companies in the supply chain.

Currently TBBD has three BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A warehouse units on Phase 3 available to let of 139,500 ft2, 154,500 ft2 and 287,200 ft2 through joint agents Colliers and Bidwells.