Goodman has signed a new lease agreement with Clipper Logistics Plc for a newly developed 304,000ft² (28,000m²) state-of-the art logistics distribution centre at its flagship Northampton Commercial Park development.
The logistics centre, which also includes 16,000ft² (1,500m²) of office space over three storeys to manage operations, was completed at the start of March and is currently being fitted out for ‘go-live’ this summer. The fit out includes a multi-tier mezzanine structure and sortation capability. The site has been let to Clipper Logistics Plc on a 10 year lease and will be operated as a shared use retail logistics/fulfilment facility. The centre is expected to become fully operational in autumn 2016.
Clipper Logistics Plc is a leading provider of retail logistics solutions in the UK and Europe. The business uses a consultative approach designed to add value to a retailer’s supply chain operation, and promote better customer service. Clipper provides a range of third party logistics services specialising in the retail sector and high value products, such as luxury goods and fashion.
Nigel Dolan, development director said: “We are delighted to sign this deal with Clipper Logistics Plc to serve their growing logistics space needs and to meet their operational requirements. This demonstrates our ability to meet the increased demand from our customers for high quality logistics space and offers one of the UK’s best strategic locations for logistics.”
“As a leading developer of ecommerce logistics facilities, Goodman has designed a distribution centre to cater for the particular requirements of a growing number of third party logistics providers managing multichannel fulfilment and returns”
Clipper Logistics Plc CEO Tony Mannix added: “As a UK leader in value-added logistics solutions for the retail industry, we’re always looking to support our retailer partners in what is a rapidly evolving marketplace. This new facility will help us to continue meeting retailer needs well into the future. We’ve been very pleased with the way Goodman have handled this deal and we look forward to a positive relationship moving forward. Further details about the facility and usage will be released by Clipper in due course.”
Consistent with Goodman’s sustainable development approach, the new facility has achieved BREEAM “very good” accreditation and is equipped with cost-saving LED lighting technology, together with a host of other energy saving initiatives.
Talking about the progress Goodman is making in the UK, Goodman managing director Charles Crossland said: “The signing of this lease agreement with Clipper reinforces our expertise in this rapidly expanding sector and highlights the ongoing success of our development activity in the UK. Furthermore, it consolidates our position as a leading provider of industrial real estate, with 1.25 million ft² of grade-A logistics and distribution space leased or under offer so far this year.
“We continue to receive strong enquiries for new space recently completed and under construction, together with opportunities for bespoke development across our growing land bank, and expect to make further announcements in due course.”
