Chinese e-commerce firm to take Derbyshire mega shed
An as yet unnamed Chinese e-commerce company is set to take a 400,000 ft2 plus warehouse at Clowes Development’s Dove Valley Park near Derby subject to planning approval.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
PLANNING DOCUMENTS indicate that the occupier is ‘leading Chinese cross-border e-commerce enterprise with a well established international presence and a long-term strategy to expand its operations within the UK, particularly in South Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands”.
It was noted that the company ‘intends to invest in the region on a sustained basis, supported by growing demand within its UK distribution network’.
Within the application Clowes noted that identity of the end user cannot be disclosed, as commercial negotiations remain ongoing and are subject to confidentiality obligations.
New proposals have been put forward for the development to alter the number, size and layout of the buildings at Dove Valley Park to accommodate the new occupier. Documents note: “As a new occupier is on board with the scheme, the size of Unit 1 has been developed to meet their needs.”
The original proposals which were given approval last year indicated a 440,000ft2 unit with dock levellers to one side with 17m eaves. The new plans request a 402,326 ft2 cross dock facility with 18 eaves. Its non-standard footprint corresponds to the irregular shape of the site boundary while also adhering to the tenant’s operational needs. Two offices are proposed on the unit’s east and west elevations, one is the main office while the other is the transport office.
The facility will have 368,137 ft2 of warehouse space with 81 dock and eight level access doors served by a 50m yard with 360 degree circulation. The property will be built to target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating.
JD.Com is considered the most acquisitive Chinese international cross border e-commerce company in the UK at present with an established list of property requirements. It has taken space in Coventry, Milton Keynes and its property arm has secured the former Asda regional distribution centre in Wigan in the Northwest for refurbishment in November as reported in Logistics Matters. JD.com soft launched its ecommerce platform Joybuy in April this year.
Other Chinese firms acquisitive so far this year include Cirro trading at SuperSmart and TopCloud although these two are considered to be logistics providers rather than stand alone e-commerce operators.
A second warehouse on the site will have an increased eaves height of 15m from 14m and total 140,489 ft2 and it is thought this will be built speculatively.
Letting agent on the scheme is FHP.
