Graftongate was selected by BlackRock as development partner for the redevelopment of the Sunningdale Business Centre in 2012. The 45-acre site was occupied by a 1,000,0000 sq ft dilapidated warehouse and vacant six-storey office building; formerly the HQ and main warehouse for the British Shoe Corporation.

A £3 million demolition contract cleared the site, including removal of the largest asbestos roof in Europe. Phase 1 of the development was a 195,000 sq ft cross-docked chilled, ambient and frozen distribution warehouse for Samworth Brothers Ltd on 15 acres. Phase 2 comprised 210,000 sq ft in 3 units developed on a speculative basis to Power Towers, Leicester Tissue Company and Company Shop.

A planning application has been submitted for the final phase. Four units ranging from 30,000 sq ft to 150.000 sq ft will be developed on a speculative basis.

Leicester City Council operates an employment and skills plan to ensure local communities benefit from developments. As part of this, employment and skills development opportunities in the construction of LEDP were taken on board by our contractor to ensure close community engagement.

A suds scheme was included, with a below ground attenuation in all yards and drainage swale along the full western boundary of the site serving a newly constructed drainage pond.

• Size: 750,000 sq ft
• Qualifications: BREEAM ‘Very Good’
• Occupiers: Company Shop, Leicester Tissue Company, Power Towers, Samworth Brothers
• Partners: BlackRock
• Website: leicesterdp.co.uk