Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, handed over the keys to three leading companies at Panattoni Park Aylesford on practical completion, an achievement that meant it has picked up the award for top South East commercial development.
The space has been leased to DHL, the global logistics company; Fowler Welch, the temperature-controlled logistics company; and Marley, a UK leader in the manufacture and supply of pitched roof systems to the construction market.
The agreements for DHL to take a 110,406-square-foot facility, Fowler Welch to take a 97,891-square-foot unit and Marley to take a 9,945-square-foot design-and-build facility on long term leases were signed before construction began.
About the Project: DHL’s new net zero carbon premises have achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent and an EPC rating of A+. The 110,406-square-foot facility will become part of its network of last-mile hubs serving customers across the South East.
Fowler Welch's building has incorporated a 1.5MVA photovoltaic array covering the roof, a car park canopy and cycle shelter. The peak electrical output from the solar panels is equal to the incoming supply, which means the company will be able to operate fully from the power generated onsite. The Fowler Welch facility has also achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent and an EPC rating of A+.
The third building was built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’, will be used for storage and distribution. Marley will relocate its current operation and staff from Wrotham, six miles west of Aylesford.
These were the second, third and fourth facilities to be completed at Panattoni Park Aylesford, following the handover in September 2022 to Evri, the UK’s biggest dedicated parcel delivery company, of its 78,794-square-foot unit.
What the Judges Said: “Once again Panattoni has demonstrated that it truly understands what makes a successful development. The combination of a superb location coupled with a market-leading design and strong environmental credentials make this an unrivalled development. By incorporating a PV array on the roof of the scheme, Panattoni have set a new benchmark for how such schemes should be developed in the future. “ said Jonathan Manning, founding director, Rare Property Advisors
They Made It Happen: Alex Mitchell, development manager, South East & London, Panattoni; Tony Watkins, head of development, South East & London, Panattoni.