LondonMetric Property and its development partner, Graftongate have begun construction of a new 350,000 sq ft logistics facility at a £100 million scheme in Bedford. 

The development represents the final phase of the 700,000 sq ft Bedford Link Logistics Park, on the A421, close to junction 13 of the M1.

The BREEAM Excellent building has been designed to the highest specification and will provide net zero carbon energy. Work on the new unit is expected to be completed in Q3 2021.

Construction of the new building follows the successful completion and letting of three warehouses across 185,000 sq ft at Bedford Link in 2019, and the further development of a 172,000 sq ft facility, which will be available for occupation from February 2021.

Bedford Link Logistics Park was acquired from the local authority following an allocation in the local plan. Now fully serviced, the development is industry-leading in sustainability, with a strong focus on the reduction in embodied carbon through a range of fully integrated renewable technologies. 

Environment controls, increased glazing, designated welfare areas, access to Marston Trust’s adjoining parkland and a fully integrated cycle network all contribute to the offering.

Jamie Hockaday, Director, Graftongate said: “Bedford Link provides an unrivalled logistics location with HGV drive times of under 55 miles to London. It is also a development with sustainability and wellness at its core, offering considerable health benefits to employees. The first three speculative buildings were either let prior to, at, or within six months of practical completion, which is testament to the location and quality of the scheme. We’re looking forward to delivering the fourth and fifth units this year.”

Mark Stirling, Asset Director of LondonMetric, said: “Bedford has established itself as a key logistics hub and has recently attracted a significant number of new and high profile occupiers because of its strategic location and modern infrastructure. Alongside our development partner Graftongate, we are very excited to be commencing our latest phase of development at Bedford Link. With congestion a significant and increasing cost for the UK economy, its equidistant location between the M1/A1 provides great optionality and transportation resilience for occupiers to meet consumers’ demands for ever tightening delivery windows.”

For more information, please visit the Bedford Link Logistics Park website.