Construction starts on Meaford scheme

By Liza Helps Property Editor Logistics Matters

THE SITE on the former Meaford Power Station totals 85 acres and St Modwen is looking to deliver two sustainable properties of 35,791 ft2 and 76,328 ft2 by the end of the year.

Rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and with EPC A certification, the units will benefit from a wide range of measures to support occupiers in their net zero journeys and reduce operational energy consumption, including rooftop solar panels, smart LED lighting that reduces energy consumption by 10%, as well as EV charging points and smart metering.

The first phase of development at the Park will include market-leading infrastructure and has already secured a much-increased power capacity of 9.2 MvA – making the entire Park suitable for advanced manufacturing companies and logistics occupiers alike.

The site can also deliver build-to-suit facilities of up to 633,000 ft2 within 12 months of an agreement, including cross docked units with outline planning permission already obtained. Detailed planning is in place for two units of 193,000 ft2 and 359,000 ft2 and capable of delivery in 2026.

St Modwen acquired the power station site in 2004 from the Receivers of Reach Environmental Ltd after putting in an unconditional offer in 2003. It is situated between J14 and J15 of the M6 motorway. In order to unlock the scheme there was a considerable amount of infrastructure works including a new roundabout on the A34, improvements to Meaford Road and a new access serving the Park. This was jointly funded through a £4.2 million Government Growth Deal investment as well as a contribution from St Modwen. The work was carried out by Staffordshire County Council on behalf of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Staffordshire County Council Deputy Leader Philip White, said: “The logistics sector plays a prominent role in the local economy, creating thousands of jobs and attracting additional investment. St Modwen Park Meaford is in a prime location close to both the M6 and A50/A500 corridors where we expect to see considerable jobs growth in coming years.”

Joint letting agents are Knight Frank, Avison Young and Mounsey.