Joint venture partners Barnfield and HBD have exchanged contracts with Kerakoll UK on a 10-acre site at the APTUS industrial and logistics scheme in Preston.
Kerakoll intends to develop a bespoke new building on the site from which it will run its UK and Nordic operations.
Planning was granted for the 800,000 sq ft APTUS scheme in December 2023, paving the way for units from 25,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft to be delivered.
Vivienne Clements, executive director for industrial and logistics at HBD, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to provide a solution for Kerakoll as it looks to expand its UK and northern European network. The deal will act as a catalyst for the delivery of the scheme and demonstrates the continued demand in the market for high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics space in key strategic locations. We look forward to seeing the first unit take shape this year, as infrastructure works start in spring followed by construction in summer.”
Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at Barnfield Group, added: “APTUS is the JV’s second project in Preston following the circa £30m sale and completion of Preston East, which was acquired by Titan Investors and counts DPD and DHL among its occupiers.
“As well as this being a huge development opportunity for the joint venture, Barnfield Construction the contracting arm of Barnfield Group, will be constructing the unit on behalf of Kerakoll. As we are getting close to starting the infrastructure works on site, the units at APTUS are generating a considerable number of enquiries and proposal requests.”
Marco Zini, CEO of Kerakoll Group, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with HBD and Barnfield to have acquired this strategic site close to our existing operation in Preston. The proposed building will be paramount for our expansion and growth in the UK and northern Europe in the years ahead.”
