Approval for three more units at £100m Lancashire industrial and logistics site

HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Barnfield Group, have secured reserved matters planning for a further three units at the JV’s Aptus industrial and logistics scheme in Preston, Lancashire.

Aptus is a £100m development expected to create up to 1,500 jobs, delivering a total of 800,000 sq ft of high quality sustainable space just off junction 31A of the M6.

The three buildings comprise a terrace of two 26,507 sq ft units and a detached unit of 53,841 sq ft.

Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: “We’re pleased to have secured planning for a further 108,000 sq ft at Aptus.

“It is very well located, which, alongside its sustainability credentials and power capabilities, continues to drive strong interest from potential occupiers.”

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development at Barnfield Group, said: “Having planning permission allows us to go to market with an oven-ready scheme which is attractive to occupiers.

“There is limited supply in the market, allowing us to be ahead of curve.”

Aptus will incorporate various energy saving measures, including EV charging points and PV panels along with a 15-acre wildlife landscaped area.

Units will be available from 25,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft across the wider scheme. The agents are Gerald Eve, Young & Co and Eckersley Property.

Kerakoll will be the first occupier at Aptus, with construction due to begin on its 145,000 sq ft unit this summer.

Working with a £1.3bn development pipeline, HBD operates from six UK offices, focusing on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.

Headquartered in Lancashire, the £80m turnover Barnfield Group is delivering a diverse range of schemes on more than 30 live sites nationwide.