Logistics developer and manager St Modwen Logistics has begun construction work on a second sustainable warehouse for DHL at St Modwen Park Gatwick – with completion anticipated for September 2023.
DHL currently occupies 64,000 sq ft at the same park, where it has been a tenant since 2011.
Spanning c.115,000 sq ft, the warehouse is being built to ‘Excellent’ BREEAM standards – the certification body for sustainability in the construction industry – and has been pre-let to DHL on a 15-year lease and could potentially create up to 150 jobs.
The deal demonstrates how an increasing number of businesses are placing greater importance on their ESG targets and shows how their buildings can help them to reach their sustainability goals through responsible construction methods and a variety of energy-efficiency measures. In addition, the deal also showcases the popularity of this location for companies looking to be close to Gatwick Airport and the main motorway routes into central London.
The installation of 1,800m² of PV panels on the roof will help to fully supply the operational energy needed to power the building’s offices – making them net zero carbon in operation – as well as regulating energy from the warehouse.
Adding to the building’s green credentials, the construction phase will take a ‘fabric first’ approach to material use by helping to maximise the performance of the components and materials, optimise efficiency and increase the longevity of the building. An air source heat pump will also be installed to regulate the office temperature and efficiently provide both heating and hot water. The pump will help to reduce carbon emissions by delivering more heat than the electricity they consume, and it will reduce operational costs.
The Park also offers employees greener ways to travel to work, with 30 EV charging spaces to be installed, as well as the inclusion of cycle bays to support with the transition towards low carbon travel.
The site will also incorporate a significant landscaping scheme, including the addition of hedgerows, which will result in a biodiversity net gain of 39%, as well as creating attractive amenity areas for both local communities and DHL staff, including a trim trail, cycle path and outdoor gym equipment.
The building will also include c.12,000 sq ft of ancillary Grade A office space, creating the opportunity for a variety of roles for the skilled local workforce, across both the warehouse operation and the background office function.
St. Modwen Park Gatwick is located 3km from Gatwick Airport alongside Junction 10 of the M23, providing excellent national and international distribution links and easy access to a large local workforce.
Ellen Thomas, Senior Development Manager, St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are always looking at how we can provide our customers with the space and support they need to be successful, so we are proud to today announce plans to build a new high-quality, sustainable warehouse which has been pre-let to DHL.
“Demand for warehouse space in the Gatwick area is at an all-time high and it is easy to see why: with a large and skilled workforce on the doorstep, as well as easy access to the local road networks and, of course, the airport, it is a prime location for any business. DHL’s commitment is testament to this, and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with them and helping to create a bespoke space to support their operations.
“This new development will deliver hundreds of jobs for local people and the inclusion of high-quality office space will ensure a wide variety of roles are available for local workers, helping to support the growth of the local economy.”
The proposed development site was promoted through the Mid Sussex Site Allocations Development Plan Document, which was adopted in June 2022. A detailed planning application for the site was submitted ahead of this, on the basis of there being strong demand in this location for high quality warehousing of this size and scale, as well as the number and range of jobs being created in both the warehouse and ancillary office accommodation.