Plans for massive logistics development given the go ahead

Planning has been granted for 1.1m sq ft of speculatively built warehouse space in Knottingley, which is being delivered by joint venture partners Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse.

Konect 62, a 136-acre logistics development, was acquired with outline planning consent for 1.4m sq ft of prime logistics accommodation.

A reserved matters application for the first phase has now been granted, which will bring forward the first 1.1m sq ft of logistics space, built to BREEAM Excellent standards.

At 735,000 sq ft, ‘Big K’ is the largest of four units which will be delivered as part of phase one. Start of development on site, which is 24 miles from Leeds city centre, is expected in September 2022.

Over 4,000 trees will be planted in the first phase, and the development will have electric vehicle charging points as well as 400 cycle parking spaces.

DTRE and Sixteen Real Estate have been appointed as joint marketing agents for the scheme.

Damian Flood, CEO at Cole Waterhouse, said: “Having successfully secured the site last year, we are pleased to now be able to press ahead with the first phase to ensure the site is oven-ready for occupiers.

“Enabling works are well underway and we are now working towards a construction start date of September 2022 with the first facilities, scheduled to reach sectional completion from Q3 to Q4 2023.”

Andrew Lynn, partner at DTRE, said: “This site is extremely significant for national and multi-national occupiers who are evaluating their distribution network and we have already had a significant amount of interest in the site.”

Andy Backhouse, director at Sixteen Real Estate, added: “Requirements for logistics accommodation have reached record levels across the north and with vacancy rates at an all-time low.

“Konect 62 is perfectly placed to meet the needs of many occupiers looking for superbly appointed space in a well-connected location.”