Huge Brackmills site acquisition paves the way for 1.25 million ft2 logistics development

By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

COCA COLA & Schweppes Beverages bought the site in the 1990s for a state of the art bottling facility which closed in 2023. The site with its 312,000 ft2 bottling facility was then let on a short term lease and the site itself plus additional land totalling 54-acres was put up for sale in May 2024 with a price tag of some £50 million plus. Sale details described the site a ‘super prime development opportunity’.

It is believed there were a number of developers and investors interested in the site and that bidding was fierce.

The site will become Royal London Asset Management Property’s largest logistics development. Working with Graftongate, Royal London Asset Management Property plans to deliver over 1.25 million ft2 of prime logistics space and an estimated gross development value of £340 million.

The freehold site includes an existing 312,831 ft2 distribution warehouse, which is now available for lease on short flexible terms.

Currently, Royal London Asset Management Property has £3.2bn in industrial assets across the UK.

Royal London Asset Management Property Robert Kiernan said: “The acquisition of this landmark site in Northampton represents a pivotal moment for our industrial and logistics strategy. Opportunities of this scale and prominence in the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle’ are exceptionally rare. This project will become a key development in our logistics portfolio.”

Graftongate’s Jamie Hockaday said: “The site’s scale, connectivity and access to a strong labour pool make it an exceptional proposition for national and international occupiers. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Royal London Asset Management Property to deliver a sustainable, best-in-class scheme.”

Royal London Asset Management Property was represented by Pinsent Masons and Apex.