Tesla gearing up distribution sites in UK

By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

THE COMPANY has submitted proposals to alter the layout of the newly built facility developed by DTZ Investors and Graftongate to provide a spray booth, wash bay, and EV parking spaces.

The planning submission states: “The minor changes being proposed are to support [Tesla’s] use of the site as a vehicle delivery hub. This primarily involves the storage and distribution of cars. The cars are purchased elsewhere (eg online or at a car showroom) and collected from the site by customers. It is anticipated there will be an average of 45 car deliveries per day, which would be scheduled over he course of the day in to specific time slots.”

Tesla is at the cutting edge of the knowledge industry, as one of the earliest developers of electric vehicles. The site at Trafford will help to support them in delivering high quality electric cars.

The facility  is located on the site of the former Guardian printworks at Ashburton Point, Trafford Park and was speculatively redeveloped to provide 149,819 ft2 of space  consisting of 136,390 ft2 of warehousing and 13,429 ft2 of Grade A two -storey office space. The warehouse has 15m eaves, 13 dock and two level access doors a 55m yard and a 1MvA power supply.

It is thought the deal will be subject to planning approval. BNP Paribas Real Estate, Savills and JLL are joint letting agents.

Tesla is also thought to be the ‘global vehicle manufacturer’ occupier behind the first pre-letting at JP Morgan and Graftongate’s newly acquired Reading International Logistics Park in the Southeast.

While there has been no conformation that Tesla is the occupant, the global vehicle manufacturer has signed a 15-year lease on a 36,736 ft2 building, which marks the initial phase of development at the 8.5-acre site.

Reading International Logistics Park has detailed planning consent for c.160,000 ft2 of last-mile logistics space and is located adjacent to Junction 11 of the M4 motorway. Construction of the unit is scheduled to complete in Q1 2026. Magrock has been appointed as the main contractor.

Reading International Logistics Park was acquired by JP Morgan Asset Management and Graftongate in May 2025, as part of a new £500 million joint venture aimed at delivering high-quality, sustainable urban logistics space.

The scheme will comprise four prime warehouse units ranging in size from 25,262 – 67,704 ft2, all designed with a strong focus on sustainability. Features will include photovoltaic solar panels, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with the development targeting EPC A+ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’.

Haslams and DTRE acted for the landowner. The occupier was represented by Knight Frank.