Greenlight to convert offices to warehouse
New logistics platform Greenlight, the joint venture between real estate investment and development manager, Delancey, and privately owned commercial property company Coltham, is looking to convert offices in Reading to industrial as it pushes ahead with it mid-box warehousing initiative.
By Liza Helps Property Editor Logistics Matters
GREENLIGHT IS looking to demolish and two r-shaped office blocks that make up the 1.87 acre Bennet Court site at the Bennet Road Industrial Estate in Whitley and replace them with a 46,370 ft2 warehouse.
Plans were submitted in February this year for the development which will be built to target BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A rating. It will have 12m eaves, two dock and three level access doors as well as a 35m yard. There will be 15% offices, a green roof as well as communal green space and amenity area for employees.
The scheme has been recommended for approval by the planning officer who said: “The sustainability credentials of the proposals, targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating, is a particularly welcomed feature of the proposals.
“In addition the continued use of an existing employment site, within a Core Employment Area, for alternative employment uses, is welcomed and supported.
"Through revisions during the course of the application, the on-site biodiversity enhancements have been maximised as far as reasonably possible, with off- site compensation also contributing to achieving an overall biodiversity net gain in excess of 10%. Accordingly, planning permission is recommended for approval subject to a legal agreement and conditions as set out above.”
Any occupant of the new building would need to provide an Employment and Skills Plan determining what the scheme would provide in terms of employment and training opportunities for neighbours in Reading.
Greenlight is looking to focus on developing first-class, mid box assets with strong sustainability credentials near major conurbations and transport arteries across the UK. Developments will target EPC A+ as well as BREEAM Outstanding with new schemes delivering net zero carbon in operation for the base build.
Greenlight's goal is to play its part in the transition to a lower carbon economy. Embodied carbon emissions resulting from construction will be minimised and refurbishment opportunities will be pursued where practicable.
