A hybrid planning consent has been granted for the development of c.2 million sq ft of new industrial, warehouse and logistics accommodation at a premier distribution location in the South West.
Vancouver-based real estate development and investment firm, Epta Development Corporation (EDC) purchased the site in December 2020 and has appointed Stoford as development partner to deliver the scheme.
It has been given approval for a prime multimodal scheme on a 101-acre site at Central Park in Avonmouth, Bristol.
The nationally significant scheme will now be known as Axis Works, and has the capacity to deliver units of incomparable scale on a built-to-suit basis. The indicative masterplan includes a c.1m sq ft building and three other units ranging in size from 273,000 sq ft to 348,000 sq ft, all with integral CAT A office space and up to 23 MVA site power capacity.
The highly sustainable scheme will be characterised by industry-leading ESG credentials, with Stoford targeting BREEAM Excellent, an EPC ‘A’ rating and net carbon zero in construction.
Features will include PV-ready roofs, air source heat recovery heat pumps, highly efficient thermal envelope design, provision for ‘green roof’ bicycle shelters and EV ready charging, and the use of recyclable materials where possible. Occupiers will also benefit from on-site nature trails, outdoor gyms and breakout facilities.
The site has already been cleared of the former AstraZeneca works and Stoford is now lining up to start site raising and infrastructure works in earnest. It anticipates being able to commence construction of build-to-suit facilities in Q1 2024.
Chris Tsakumis, Principal at EDC, said: “Receipt of planning to commence siteworks and initiate promotion of bespoke builds to the occupier market signals a major investment milestone. Since our acquisition in late 2020, we have worked closely with our team of UK consultants to envisage a masterplan that will meet the demands of modern occupiers with a programme of development focused on sustainability, flexibility, and innovation. We’re equally thrilled to have appointed best-in-class industrial developer Stoford as our delivery partner on this prime asset and our flagship project in the UK.”
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford, said: “We’ve worked in close partnership with EDC over many months to secure planning consent for this hugely exciting scheme. Axis Works has the potential to become a world-class logistics and distribution park, creating jobs and economic growth in an already popular strategic location for logistics operators. We can deliver large scale, high quality accommodation with significant power, to suit a variety of occupier needs and anticipate significant interest in the scheme.”
Axis Works is located in an established employment area near the Port of Bristol. The site benefits from excellent communication links with direct access to the national motorway network via the M49, M4 and M5. It lies in the vicinity of three rail stations and is less than 11 miles from Bristol’s multiple intermodal rail facilities.
EDC and Stoford were advised by the planning team at Gerald Eve, with input from an extensive team of professional consultants.
The scheme is being marketed by retained agents, Charlie Binks and Russell Crofts of Knight Frank and Philip Cranstone and Adam McMillan of CBRE.