Logicor starts work on Smethwick logistics scheme
Demolition has started at a former West Midlands chemical works, after an 89,000 sq ft warehouse and logistics redevelopment was given the green light.
Logicor secured detailed planning consent for Spring 89 on a five-acre plot on Spring Road in Smethwick, sandwiched between the M5 and the Birmingham Canal, around five miles from the centre of the city.
The move marks the developer’s first foray into the West Midlands mid-box market, which comes in response to increasing occupier demand for industrial and manufacturing warehousing in the region, it says.
Fisher German and Savills have been appointed as agents for the scheme.
The start of work in Smethwick follows a run of recent UK development activity for Logicor, including planning consent for Logicor Park Bardon, a 557,000 sq ft scheme in Leicestershire, and the record leasing of Logicor Park Daventry, a 800,000 sq ft scheme on a 25-year lease.
“Logicor Spring 89 is our first development of this size in the UK,” said Richard Phillips, senior director, UK, Logicor.
“We know that there is strong demand for this type and design of warehouse and we are focussed on delivering a sustainable, best in class, asset that also creates value for the local community and our customers.”
The development replaces an existing industrial site formerly occupied by specialist chemicals manufacturer Orapi, with the former 1990s-era warehouse and production buildings described by Logicor as having reached “the end of their useful economic life”.
Benniman has been appointed as principle contractor to the scheme.
“This is a highly constrained and technically challenging site, located between two canals and beneath the M5 motorway, which will require careful planning and close collaboration across the project team,” said Paul Barfoot, commercial director at Benniman.
“Demolition works are now underway, and we look forward to progressing the project over the coming months.”
Designs for the scheme were created by UMC Architects, with planning services provided by Quod. The project team includes Mode Transport, Haore Lea, Geo 2, Antea, Aspect, I&L Consulting Ltd, CPW, and Bennett Williams.
Plans and documents relating to the scheme can be found on Sandwell’s planning portal under reference: DC/25/70799
