Preston East completes as DHL and DPD move in
The final occupiers have moved into strategic logistics development, Preston East, meaning the 223,000 sq ft scheme is now complete.
DHL and DPD are the last tenants to move onto the development, that was delivered by HBD and Barnfield Construction, who sold it to Titan Investors in 2022 in a circa £30m deal.
The transaction saw the acquisition of three fully let buildings and the final development plot, with an overall WAULT in the region of 16 years.
DPD has moved into a 63,000 sq ft unit, while DHL has taken occupation of a 59,000 sq ft BREEAM Excellent building. The first phase, five units spanning 70,000 sq ft, was developed speculatively, and was fully let prior to practical completion.
The development is one of the region’s best-located strategic logistics sites, just yards from junction 31A of the M6.
Sustainability was a key consideration, with EV charging points and PV-enabled buildings sitting alongside habitat creation areas supporting biodiversity and wildlife.
Dean Thompson, head of region at HBD, said: “It’s positive to see East fully complete less than three years after work started on site – its M6 location saw significant interest, with the first phase fully let prior to PC. The addition of DHL and DPD cements its position as one of Lancashire’s key strategic logistics locations.”
Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisitions at Barnfield Group, said: “Using a local supply chain on the project, teamed with our collaborative relationship with our partners, means East was delivered efficiently, on time and to an excellent standard.
East’s popularity with a diverse range of occupiers is testament to the development’s strategic location, high specification and sustainability credentials. We are pleased to welcome DHL and DPD to East.”
HBD is one of the UK’s most active developers, working with a £1.26bn pipeline. It operates from six offices, including Manchester, and focuses on delivering large scale projects across Industrial and Logistics, Urban Regeneration and Residential.
Barnfield Group are contractors, developers and investors working with public and private sector partners and clients for more than 40 years. Headquartered in Lancashire, the £80m-turnover property group is delivering a diverse range of schemes on more than 30 live sites nationwide.
