Bericote and Tritax Big Box REIT have prelet a 450,000 sq ft industrial facility in Dartford to a major retailer, understood to be furniture giant Ikea.
The “450@thepowerhouse” unit, at the former Littlebrook Power Station in Kent, is under construction. It sits next to the duo’s 2.3m sq ft distribution centre, which is prelet to Amazon.
A planning application was submitted in July for the next phase of the scheme, which includes a 300,000 sq ft logistics unit to be constructed to BREEAM Excellent and available for occupation in Q3 2022.
Jonathan Maher, development director at Bericote, said: “This letting underpins Bericote’s ongoing commitment to creating highly specified, modern and adaptable industrial and logistics solutions in strategic locations across the UK.
“The pre-letting during construction of this speculative development underlines the strength of the market and the very attractive attributes of the site, and we look forward to repeating the same success for the next phase of the development.”
Charlie Withers, director of development for Tritax Management, said: “Securing a 15-year letting at thepowerhouse to another high-quality occupier further validates our strategic focus on development.
“The new tenant will join Amazon at what is becoming the preeminent logistics location in the UK’s South East.”
The development will feature biodiversity enhancement, with 30% of the site set aside for permanent open space and habitat creation for the benefit of wildlife.
The developers have also partnered with local charity Spirits Rest Animal Rescue centre to provide off-site bee habitats, to meet a target of introducing 1 million bees to the site.
Bericote and Tritax were represented by DTRE and JLL, while Colliers acted for the tenant.
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