South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) has given the green light to a speculative warehouse project which could create as many as 450 jobs.
The twin storage and distribution development — offering 304,000 and 162,000 sq ft units — will be built by developer Goodman on land previously known as Zone C at Grange Park, Northampton. One of the world’s leading commercial property groups, Goodman bought the 21.5-acre site from RBS Real Estate Asset Management in September last year, immediately rebranding the site as Northampton Commercial Park.
The local authority approved the application subject to the completion of a planning obligation and no objection from Anglian Water and the Environment Agency.
Rebecca Breese, SNC’s portfolio holder for planning and environment, claimed that an increase in local living standards and housing growth are attracting people to the area in large numbers. “It is, therefore, important we complete the circle by providing opportunities for employment growth,” she said.
“SNC identified the potential of this site as a good place for a business to make its home, and we are glad a developer is willing to back that vision with plans that could be a significant boost for the local economy and local jobs.”
Charles Crossland, managing director of Goodman UK Logistics, explained his company’s decision to press ahead with the speculative build by saying: “There is a distinct lack of Grade A logistics space in the Northampton area, and indeed the wider region, and we are keen to commence development as soon as possible to encourage investment and new jobs.”
Development of the 500-acre Grange Park site began in the early 2000s, with initial projects centred on a distribution park, offices, hotels and new homes. The first of the new warehouses is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The Sydney-headquartered Goodman group owns, develops and manages real estate including warehouses, large scale logistics facilities, business parks and offices blocks in 17 countries around the world.
