Warburton first tenant for Mountpark’s Ferrybridge scheme
UK Baker Warburtons has pre-let a warehouse at Mountpark’s newly acquired 1.64 million ft2 Ferrybridge power station scheme in West Yorkshire to become the scheme’s very first tenant.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
DEVELOPER MOUNTPARK completed the acquisition of the former Ferrybridge Power Station, which has planning permission for up to 1.64 million ft2 of industrial and logistics space and in almost the same breath secured a 65,8000 ft2 warehouse pre-let with national bakery firm Warburtons.
The Ferrybridge Power Station spans circa 110 acres and will host the bakery’s 18th distribution depot in the UK after it agreed a 20-year lease for the building.
Site preparations are now underway to deliver the facility with vertical construction scheduled to begin in December.
Mountpark UK & Ireland. Development Director Brett Huxley said: “Mountpark Ferrybridge is an important acquisition and a clear demonstration of our belief in the Yorkshire region. Securing Warburtons, a respected industry leader with strong northern roots, as our first occupier, is a clear vote of confidence in the site’s future potential. This is our third scheme in Yorkshire and builds on the dearth of prime development supply along the M62 corridor.”
Warburtons Head of Distribution Network Transformation James Norton, said: “As the UK’s largest bakery brand, we have an opportunity to lead the way. That’s not just about the products we produce, but also about how and where we make and distribute them. The new depot at Ferrybridge is designed with sustainability in mind, which aligns with our own core values, as well as enabling us to expand our logistics capacity in Yorkshire and beyond, by building on the efficiencies and customer service standards our customers already enjoy.”
Located at the intersection of the M62 and A1(M) motorway, Mountpark secured outline planning consent for up to 1.64 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space at the 110-acre Ferrybridge site in summer 2024. The company has now submitted Reserved Matters Applications for a 40,000 ft2 facility, a 647,000 ft2 cross-dock facility, and a three-unit configuration ranging from 70,000 ft2 to 330,000 ft2. Buildings are expected to be delivered speculatively from end of 2026. Once complete, the scheme has the ability to generate over 2,000 jobs and attract significant inward investment.
Joint agents are Carter Towler, JLL and Carter Jonas. Warburtons’ agent on the scheme is JLL.
The wider project team includes Oxalis Planning, SMR Architects, Markides Associates, Ridge and Partners, SK Environmental, BWB, Marsh & Baxter Ltd, Gordons LLP, Quartz Project Services, Mountford Pigott LLP and Cudd Bentley.
