Prologis plots further 1 million ft2 at DIRFT amid rising demand
Developer investor Prologis UK has submitted proposals for DC762, a new 762,000 ft2 rail-served distribution centre at its RFI DIRFT III scheme in the East Midlands and intends to bring forward two more plots for warehouses of 158,000 ft2 and 265,000 ft2 in the coming weeks.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
THE DC762 facility forms part of three expansion plots at DIRFT, which together total 1,063,000 ft2.
The proposals follow a sustained increase in customer enquiries at DIRFT with retailers, third-party logistics providers and e-commerce businesses seeking centrally located platforms with multimodal connectivity.
The submission for DC762 relates to Plot F in the eastern part of DIRFT III and sits within the site’s Development Consent Order, providing a clear and established planning route to delivery. It will haveThe cross docked warehouse will have 18m eaves as well as 114 dock and 11 level access doors on east and west elevations served by two yards of X m with 360 degree circulation and parking for 233 HGV.
The building will target BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings and feature a 700kWp rooftop solar PV system, capable of generating enough electricity annually to power approximately 200 UK homes.
In addition it will be designed to raise the bar for logistics properties and feature full-height glazing and a south west-facing external balcony accessible from the first-floor offices. Extensive landscaping aims to provide employees and visitors with spaces to relax and connect with nature. Proposals include extensive planting of woodlands, hedgerows, grassland and bulbs to enhance biodiversity and create seasonal interest.
Recent deals at the 7 million ft2 RFI DORFT III scheme have seen build to suit deals and lettings including M&S Food’s 1.3 million ft2 bespoke national distribution centre and XPO’s national chilled palletised logistics hub for Arla Foods as well as a 217,785 ft2 turnkey build to suit for e-commerce homeware brand Laura James. In addition it let a 325,000 ft2 plus unit to 3PL GXO.
DC762 follows full consent being granted for DC613, a 613,000 ft2 warehouse which was reported by Logistics Matters last year. DC613 is ready for fast-track occupation, with groundworks and power connection in place.
A single speculative unit of 107,000 ft2 is currently under construction and due for completion in Q3 2026.
Prologis UK Capital Deployment Director James Hemstock, said: “Enquiries for plots at DIRFT have increased as customers prioritise scale, connectivity and long-term certainty. Progressing these developments now ensures that capacity is available to meet sustained demand in the Midlands. DIRFT continues to demonstrate the strength of rail-connected logistics infrastructure as a long-term platform for UK supply chains.”
DIRFT supports more than 10,000 jobs and generated £219 million in annual GVA in 2023/24, alongside £13.1 million in business rates contributions.
