EXCLUSIVE: SEGRO plots speculative warehouse at Northampton Gateway scheme

By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

PLANS SUBMITTED propose a building that is larger and higher than the Development Consent Order for the scheme would ordinarily allow in order to align with changing occupier expectations, hence the new planning application for the 34 acre plot.

With the design and access statement the developer said: “The scale of the proposed building has been driven by the market requirements established through the received enquiries from potential future occupiers.

“The recent market enquiries showed the demand for taller warehouse facilities maximising the plot potential. This has resulted in the increased main warehouse height of 21.5m above the ground floor finished floor level with 18 m haunch height.”

SEGRO proposes a 722,539 ft2 cross dock facility, known as Unit 6 with 683,908 ft2 of warehouse space with 18m eaves to haunch, 110 dock and eight level access doors served by two 55m yards with access for HGVs only via a separate gatehouse. In addition, each side of the warehouse will have hub offices of approx. 5,000 ft2. There is parking for 186 trailers with 360 degree movement round the warehouse.

The contemporary ancillary office facilities will total some 28,367 ft2 across three storeys with a staff break out space is located opposite the offices block, consisting of hard and soft landscape areas with appropriate furniture, to offer a place for staff to relax and take in the sunshine during breaks or lunch.

Architect pHp Architects noted that SEGRO ‘has aspirations to deliver a facility that can be accessed by all and subsequently provide an opportunity to enhance staff and visitors experience when they enter the site. The main entrance into the building sits on a North East corner of the car park and is separated from the main office via a link bridge creating a clearly defined entry point. Main entrance is also emphasised by a canopy above the entrance doors with a signage and a full height curtain walling’.

The property will be built carbon net zero and target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A+ rating. It will incorporate high efficiency heating and cooling systems, mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems, as well as LED lighting to reduce electrical consumption and heat gains from lighting. There will be a minimum of 1,500 sqm of PV  provided with an additional provision should an occupier desire in the future.

There will be EV charging for 20% of the total car parking spaces within the 560 space car park as well as provision for future works to enable 100% EV charging points if required.

In a letter to the council SEGRO wrote: “There continues to be positive dialogue with a number of prospective occupiers and Plots 3a, 4, 5, and 7 have already secured a detailed planning consent. As discussed with West Northamptonshire Council, a speculative building is now required on ‘Plot 6’ with a future occupier yet to be agreed.”

Plot 4 has been pre-let to Yusen Logistics and Plot 7 sold to Amazon both buildings are currently nearly completion.

Joint letting agents are CBRE, Colliers and Cushman & Wakefield.