Council recommended to approve M&S DIRFT super hub
Planning officers at West Northamptonshire Council have recommended that the planning committee approves a million ft2 plus super hub widely known to be for occupation by M&S next week.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
THE STATE-of-the-art facility totalling some 1.29 million ft2 are set to be game changing for the retailer with the development being described as marking ‘a step change in logistics design’ comprising a ‘bespoke, high-performance facility that incorporates advanced automation, operational innovation, and the highest sustainability credentials’.
Logistics Matters revealed the proposals being put forward for Zone G of DIRFT by investor developer Prologis for the facility in June this year
The scheme represents a capital investment into the area of circa. £380m, and is expected to create more than 2000 jobs for the duration of construction directly and indirectly and provide up to 1,100 full time equivalent jobs when operational.
There will be 1,155,438 ft2 (GIA) main warehouse building, including a three-storey main office and four two-storey hub offices, with 186 dock and four level access doors, and a two- storey security hub office connected via a bridge link; in addition there will be a 130,513 ft2 Recycling and Reclamation Unit (RRU) with integrated two-storey office space as well as a 13,303 ft2 vehicle maintenance unit. It will be built to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A+ rating.
The proposals would also generate business rate revenue of around £4.6 million per year, of which half would be retained by West Northamptonshire Council, and help sustain increased spending in the local economy.
The Council’s planning committee will consider the proposal on 19th August.
