IM Properties wins green light for Birch Coppice business park extension

  IM Properties has been given the go ahead to develop a 124 acre second phase at its Birch Coppice business park in Tamworth, West Midlands.   Following on from online supermarket Ocado’s recent deal with IMP to house its second major UK distribution hub within Birch Coppice’s second phase, North Warwickshire Borough Council has granted planning consent for the park’s extension.   The latest phase will house a total of 2m sq ft of rail-served warehousing space close to junction 10 of the M42 motorway.   Commenting on the news, IM Properties’ development manager Kevin Ashfield said: “Birch Coppice currently employs 2,500 people, twice as many as the former Birch Coppice colliery. Phase 2 will have the potential to create a further 3,500 jobs.”   IM Properties is looking to start site infrastructure works as soon as possible and fully serviced plots will be available from March 2011.   Phase two will benefit from the on-site Birmingham Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT) operated by Roadways Container Logistics.   Ocado is to acquire 35 acres of land in this second phase for an undisclosed sum, although land values in the area hover at around £300,000 per acre. Its 350,000 sq ft hi-tech warehouse will create up to 2,200 new jobs.   lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com   To access all EGi news stories and commercial property data sign up for a free trial today, or visit the subscription options page to find out more.