Planning permission has been granted for a major new extension to Prologis Apex Park, located near Daventry. The £40m project will include a new facility for global engine manufacturer, Cummins, which already has operations in the local area.
The first phase of the development is for a 430,000 sq. ft. facility to house a new storage and distribution facility for the engine maker. This facility will sit adjacent to a development plot which could accommodate a further 415,000 sq ft of industrial logistics space.
Work on the initial phase of the scheme is due to start over the coming weeks and will help cement Cummins’ position in the local Daventry economy.
Prologis Apex Park is part of a thriving employment area north of Daventry town centre, close to major road networks and the rail freight terminal at DIRFT, also operated by Prologis. Alongside Cummins, which employs over 1,300 people in the local area, other occupiers on the Park include Ceva, Hankook, Hellmann Logistics, and JD Wetherspoon.
Planning permission for the new units on the 15-hectare site was secured from Daventry District Council by Lichfields, M1 Agency provided legal advice to Cummins and the construction of the new unit will be undertaken by Volker Fitzpatrick.
Mark Shepherd, vice president, infrastructure, at Prologis said: “The initial phase of the scheme will support the growth of one of the country’s leading engineering businesses and contribute to building a strong, responsive and competitive Midlands economy.
“We are in talks with potential occupiers for the additional units and will press ahead with detailed applications as talks progress.”
Over the five-year construction period the Apex Park expansion is set to bring in a combined investment of over £40m, creating over 350 construction jobs.
The new cross-dock facility will include 15,000 sq. ft. of office space and will have dual access from Nasmyth Road and Parsons Road. The Park itself offers a number of facilities, including a green travel scheme, maintained landscaping and a community liaison service, providing a link between occupiers and local residents.
Caroline Musker, senior director of Lichfields said: “This is a major development at a thriving distribution and business hub, and will deliver a major boost to the local economy.”
Myles Wilcox-Smith, partner at M1 Agency, said: “This is excellent news for Cummins and the new development will further strengthen the business’ operations in the Daventry area. We’re looking forward to seeing the new site take shape.”