Work begins to build 311,000 sq ft of logistics warehouses

Logistics investor and developer PLP says it has begun constructing two speculative logistics warehouses at PLP Wakefield.

The PLP Wakefield site is on a 16-acre development plot, next to Junction 40 of the M1 motorway within Silkwood Business Park. One of the warehouses will occupy 75,000 sq ft when complete, and the other 236,000 sq ft.

JF Finnegan has been appointed as main contractor for the scheme, with completion scheduled for April 2021.

Matthew Fitton, development director at PLP, said: “PLP is committed to the Yorkshire logistics market because of the region’s expertise in this essential part of the economic infrastructure of the UK.

“This speculative development project demonstrates both PLP’s commitment to the region and also the strength of the occupational demand in the Wakefield sub-market.

“PLP Wakefield is a well-established commercial location with great amenity value, strong occupier base and access to a large, skilled labour force.

“We expect this development will potentially create up to 500 new jobs when these units are occupied and fully operational.”

The units will be delivered to a net zero carbon ready standard (as defined under the UK Green Building Council framework) and will achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating.

Gent Visick and CBRE have been appointed as leasing agents for the scheme.

Andrew Gent, of Gent Visick, said: “Having been involved in the wider Silkwood Business Park for a number of years it is fantastic news that construction is about to commence on the two speculative units at this location which, with its excellent connections, is sure to generate significant interest from the logistics sector.”