Logistics park giant IM Properties has started work on a 340,000 sq ft speculative build at Hinckley Park.
The building – which it says could accommodate manufacturing or logistics – is being built at the site close to junction 1 of the M69 in west Leicestershire.
Hinckley Park is already home to DPD, which has one of Europe’s biggest and most technically advanced parcel depots there, and a 532,000 sq ft unit let to Amazon. Some 1,500 people work there.
The new unit – called Hinckley 340 – is part of the final phase of development on the remaining 18 acres and IM Properties said it will be net zero in construction with capacity to allow occupiers to be net zero in operation.
IM Properties development manager Harry Goodman said it will target BREAM Excellent credentials and have an EPC A rating, with solar panels on the roof, electric vehicle charging spaces, and cycle storage facilities. It will also have an active travel plan with buses and a network of cycle paths and footways to encourage people out of their cars.
He said: “The key drivers of location, labour and connectivity have always stood out for the employment park, set on the borders of the East and West Midlands and just a short distance from the major conurbations of Leicester and Coventry.
“It draws on a large catchment area for last mile delivery operators and is also close to air and rail hubs including BIFT and Hams Hall Railports which appeals to the rich source of supply chain operators in the Midlands.
“The increased transparency required for all businesses on the sustainability front allows Hinckley 340 to aid occupiers in future proofing their operations ahead of regulation and set a benchmark within their own sectors.
“As a major investor in the Midlands, we hope to use our influence to help set industry standards and work alongside our occupiers and supply chain to create positive change and reduce carbon emissions.”
The developer is working with Winvic Construction and represented by local agents Wells McFarlane and CBRE and Avison Young.
