Northampton Acquisition
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The Challenge
Cushman & Wakefield were appointed to identify an East Midlands location that could accommodate a new purpose built distribution centre for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd (SSL). The intention from SSL was to identify a development site that would allow them to trial the first of a new format of combined chilled and ambient units with the intention of creating a carbon neutral environment that would be the first of a new depot roll out programme.
The Solution
C&W work with SSL to identify a suitable site in Northampton controlled by an innovative developer keen to trial their eco technology innovatives. ProLogis Park, Pineham is a strategically located site where Sainsbury’s managed to secure the prime plot.
The Results
Terms were agreed to acquire a lease on a 620,000 sq ft 3 unit operation on a pre-let basis that has resulted in Europe’s first carbon neutral distribution centre. The exercise was so successful that Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd have now held some of their Board meetings on site to demonstrate their attitude to sustainability in the work place and the scheme is considered a template for their proposed UK depot expansion programme.