Developer completes first warehouse at massive new logistics hub

The first warehouse on a logistics hub built on Swindon’s former Honda factory site has now reached practical completion and is ready for occupation.

Developer Panattoni confirmed it is aiming to announce its first tenant in the first half of this year.

To date, Panattoni has delivered almost 1.5 million sq ft of speculative warehouse space. The second unit, totalling 915,000 sq ft, is expected to complete at the end of April and will be the largest speculative warehouse ever built in the UK.

It is estimated that, once fully developed, Panattoni Park could support around 7,000 on-site jobs, with a further 11,000 roles created across the wider local supply chain.

Panattoni also has plans for a further 3.5 million sq ft on the site in the next two to three years.

James Watson, Panattoni’s head of development for Southern England & London, said: “It has been an extremely productive and busy 12 months. We have invested approximately £300 million of our estimated £915 million total budget for the scheme, enabling us to deliver two high-quality, state-of-the-art logistics and manufacturing buildings fit for the next generation.

“The 545,000 sq ft building achieved practical completion at the end of February and is now immediately available for occupation.

“In total, we have brought forward just under 1.5 million sq ft of space. For context, the former Honda car plant extended to approximately 2 million sq ft, meaning that around three quarters of the previous footprint has now been redeveloped on a speculative basis.

“The space is suitable for a range of occupiers, including advanced manufacturing, logistics and assembly operations.”

Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the new employment space on Friday.

Cllr Robbins, who last visited the development 12 months ago when groundworks were underway, said he was impressed by the pace of progress and encouraged by the strong interest from potential occupiers and the employment opportunities they could bring to Swindon.

“Panattoni Park is set to play a crucial role in strengthening Swindon’s position as a leading economic hub in the years ahead, which is why we have worked closely with James and his team to help accelerate development and facilitate discussions with prospective occupiers,” Cllr Robbins said.

“I have always been clear that we must be ambitious for this site and do everything we can to attract highly skilled, advanced manufacturing roles. I am therefore greatly encouraged by the interest from firms that recognise Swindon’s strategic location and the strength and productivity of our workforce.

“Seeing the first completed unit was a real milestone moment, and the progress achieved in just 12 months has been remarkable.

“I look forward to the announcement of the first of what I hope will be many tenants in the near future.”

Panattoni properties here: https://panattoni.co.uk/our-properties/