Gazeley, a subsidiary of Dubai-based Economic Zones World and leading provider of sustainable logistics and industrial space has today been granted planning approval for the proposed 796,649 sq ft distribution centre at G.Park Swindon, the biggest distribution warehouse development on the M4 motorway, linking London with South Wales. The distribution centre is being built for B&Q, British retailer of DIY and home improvement supplies and a subsidiary of Kingfisher Group.
The planned facility is estimated to have a completed value of nearly £70m, and will bring 600 jobs to the area once fully operational. Adjacent to the A419, the strategically located regional hub benefits from an excellent local transport network and will service stores in the south of the UK. The geographic position will help the site meet the needs of retail customers by ensuring products are made available in stores in a timely and efficient manner.
Demonstrating Gazeley’s commitment to sustainable development, G. Park Swindon will include a number of eco measures such as the harvesting and re-use of rainwater collected from the roof of the building and solar panels to heat the water. A solar wall will use renewable energy to heat and ventilate the building. The development will include substantial areas of new habitat around the building with the planting of about 500 new trees.
Nigel Godfrey, senior Vice President of Gazeley UK says: “Gazeley is delighted with Swindon Borough Council’s decision to approve the planning application. We look forward to starting on site in the autumn and will complete the facility by next summer. As well as reducing the environmental impact of the development, Gazeley has sought to ensure that the building will deliver significant annual operating cost savings for B&Q through reduced energy consumption.”
Under an existing legal agreement attached to the outline planning permission, Gazeley will make a contribution of £150,000 for the provision of public art and £700,000 to be invested in Swindon’s Great Western Community Forest. Other plots on the site are also available for build to suit opportunities.
Gazeley has so far built over 60 million sq ft (5.6 million sq m) of highly efficient, carbon positive logistics and industrial spaces and distribution parks across the world. Apart from Gazeley, Economic Zones World’s portfolio includes Jafza, the flagship free zone, TechnoPark, a research driven business and industrial park, and Dubai Auto Zone.
