Aldi Stores (UK) is buying the freehold interest in 6.47 ha (16 acres) on South Marston Park in Swindon for a new 28,335 sq m (305,000 sq ft) distribution unit to serve its stores in southern England.
According to King Sturge partner David Spencer: “The requirement has been around for some time. They came to Swindon a couple of years ago and they wanted to buy at the time. Then there were rumours they had found something in Andover, but this fell through and they came back to Swindon.”
South Marston Park, owned by Vickers, totals about 121 ha (300 acres) of which 30 ha (75 acres) are still available. Early Learning Centres already have a 24,154 sq m (260,000 sq ft) on the park and Hondo suppliers, SDF, has 12,077 sq m (130,000 sq ft).
Aldi’s purchase price is confidential, but land values in the area range between £325,000 and £350,000 per acre. King Sturge acted for Vickers while Conrad Ritblat advised Aldi.
Spencer is also retained by St Ivel Wincanton to find up to 24,154 sq m (260,000 sq ft) of cold storage space on 12.5 acres. He also has another two requirements totalling 19,973 sq m (215,000 sq ft).
EGi News 05/08/97
