Sustainable logistics venture plans first site in North Yorkshire
Thirsk will be the first site of a new sustainable logisitics venture between global private markets firm Partners Group and UK logistics developer Citivale.
Greenbox is a real estate platform created to provide new-build industrial and logistics schemes with market-leading environmental credentials. The platform’s assets will achieve BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings and target net-zero carbon in construction.
Greenbox Thirsk is a development of three new industrial/warehouse units in North Yorkshire, intended to set the standard for Greenbox’s commitment to exceptional sustainability practices. The site has outline planning consent for up to 825,000 sq ft (76,645 sq m) of manufacturing and logistics space, scheduled to be ready for occupation from Q3 2024.
Romain Ruiz, member of management for private real estate at Partners Group, said, “We have strong conviction in enhanced traditional logistics, particularly in the UK where our thematic research shows that occupier demand has remained resilient. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Citivale team to build an industrial logistics platform to serve the UK market that will lead the way in sustainability, reflecting our focus on ESG.”
James Appleton-Metcalfe, founder of Citivale, said, “It’s an exciting time to be launching Greenbox, as the market is pushing forward in sustainable industrial development to provide much needed new, quality and future-proofed green industrial space to meet the strong tenant demand across the UK. In partnership with Partners Group, the JV will be actively seeking opportunities to scale the platform through development while creating a lasting, positive impact.”
Greenbox Thirsk is located in an established distribution and manufacturing hub, less than 5 minutes from both J49 of the A1(M) and the A19 at Thirsk, with access to the North East, Teesside and Tyneside. Neighbouring occupiers include Cargill, Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), Severfield PLC, Cleveland Steel & Tubes, Wetherby Group and I’Anson.
In line with Greenbox’s ESG commitments, schemes will target net-zero carbon in construction, BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. The roofs will be 100% photovoltaic panel ready, 10% of parking spaces will be for electric cars (future-proofed for all spaces), and CAT-A fitted office space is proposed with LED lighting and air-source heat pumps. Bespoke units, built to individual occupiers’ specific requirements, can also be accommodated.
Colliers and Carter Towler have been appointed as letting agents for Greenbox Thirsk.
Simon Hill, Colliers’ associate director for industrial & logistics, said, “We are delighted to be appointed by Partners Group and Citivale to market this well positioned logistics and manufacturing hub. Greenbox Thirsk will help address the supply/demand imbalance of employment space in North Yorkshire by providing premium quality industrial stock. Occupiers locating here will benefit from first rate ESG credentials, a large employment catchment and excellent highway connections.”
He added, “The development plans have been well received with several enquiries to date. We are in live discussions with a number of occupiers who are considering locating here and bringing new employment to the area. We look forward to progressing these discussions further.”
