Palletways UK plots new HQ and logistics centre
Palletised freight operator Palletways UK, has partnered with developer Prologis to purpose build a 640,000 ft2 new national HQ and operations hub at Fradley Park, Lichfield in the West Midlands.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
THE AMBITIOUS project will see the consolidation of company’s seven buildings in Fradley two of which in 2022 were used as fulfilment centres, the creation of more space for future growth and raise the bar for sustainable logistics buildings in the UK.
The facility, which looks from the consultation plans to be highly bespoke, has dock levellers one side and level access doors the other with parking for between 300 – 400 trailers. It will be built carbon net zero and target BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A + rating.
Palletways has been based in Lichfield since 1994, when it first established its operations in the UK. What began as a single site has grown steadily over the past three decades into a network that now supports more than 140 independent members and handles close to 6 million pallets each year.
Palletways UK Managing Director Rob Gittins said: “It has been clear for some time that we are outgrowing our existing site at Fradley Park, which has served us so well for nearly 30 years. We began looking at how we could secure local jobs with minimum disruption, create opportunities for long-term growth, and further strengthen our commitment to sustainability.
“Our decision to remain in Lichfield reflects the strength of our connection to the area and the role it has played in our success over the past 30 years. This new facility represents the next step in that relationship — creating space for growth while keeping us firmly rooted in the place where we began.”
“We’re very excited about these plans, developed in partnership with Prologis, which reinforce all of those objectives. Our new headquarters will allow us to build on our service levels, provide better facilities and training opportunities for our staff, and offer even greater support to our members.”
This proposal means that 250 existing jobs will be secured for the Lichfield area, with the new facility set to create clear opportunities for further employment growth in the years ahead.
By consolidating operations into a single, purpose-built site, Palletways will reduce handling times, improve tracking accuracy, support earlier finish times and more reliable delivery windows. The additional space and flexibility will also allow the business to trial new technologies and streamline logistics processes — helping its independent members operate more efficiently and deliver stronger service to their own customers.
A key factor for Palletways in selecting Prologis as development partner was the company’s proven ability to deliver sustainable logistics buildings that meet both environmental and operational needs — a close fit with Palletways’ ambitions for its new headquarters. This, backed by Prologis’ robust balance sheet and access to capital means that the development could be delivered for Palletways with confidence, once planning approval is in place.
Sustainability features will include a 600kWp+ rooftop solar PV array, smart metering, rainwater harvesting, and high-efficiency systems to reduce both emissions and running costs.
It has been designed with employee wellbeing and community connectivity in mind. The building will feature warehouse skylights to maximise natural light, alongside secure cycle parking and EV charging to encourage more sustainable commuting. A dedicated amenity space for Palletways workers will include soft and hard landscaping, seating and a covered area.
A new cycleway and footpath, winding through natural landscaping and featuring native species will improve local access between Fradley and Streethay, creating benefits beyond the building itself.
Prologis anticipates submitting a planning applicaton for the site in August this year. Subject to approval, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with occupation targeted for 2027.
The proposal is expected to generate approximately £21 million in Gross Value Added for the local economy each yearand during construcitn is expected to produce approximately £11.7 million of social value and support 491 jobs.
The site is situated to the south of Fradley Park. It lies to the west of the A38 and to the north and east of the HS2 route, which is currently under construction.
