EXCLUSIVE: M&S to take Bristol B2S scheme
A highly bespoke M&S logistics centre requirement has been linked to Vancouver based real estate development and investment firm, Epta Development Corporation (EDC) and development partner Stoford’s 2 million ft2 Axis Works scheme in Bristol, which secured reserved planning permission for a highly bespoke 390,000 ft2 plus cross docked warehouse on Friday last week.
By Liza Helps Property Editor Logistics Matters
RETAILER M&S is known to have at least two bespoke warehouse requirements on the market, one in the Midlands and the other in the Southwest as it modernises and upgrades its supply chain to support its online growth.
In its half year results to September 2024 M&S said: “Online participation increased to 33% (31% LY). Online sales were up 11.3%, with growth increasing to 16.5% in Q2 [2024].”
There are strong indications that the M&S requirement has been satisfied at Axis Works, however, all parties involved including letting agents CBRE and Knight Frank have so far declined to comment.
Reserved matters planning approval for the facility on a 33-acre site known as Plot 5 Axis Works was signed off on Friday 28th February 2025. The 394,669 ft2 (GIA) cross dock property, which will target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating, is highly bespoke and includes 353,000 ft2 of warehouse space, 16,000 ft2 of Category A two storey offices, two 3,00 ft2 hub offices and a gatehouse. It will have 21m eaves and boast 108 dock levels of which 12 are Euro docks and two level access. It will have parking for 128 HGVs and 380 cars
EDC acquired the site in 2020 and appointed Stoford as development partner shortly after. The site has access to up to 23MvA of power. Sustinability features across the whole scheme including the M&S facility will include PV roof top arrays, air source heat recovery heat pumps, highly efficient thermal envelope design, provision for ‘green roof’ bicycle shelters and EV ready charging, and the use of recyclable materials where possible. Occupiers will also benefit from on-site nature trails, outdoor gyms and breakout facilities.
The site was originally used as a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility from 1969 to 2019, firstly by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) and more recently by Avara Pharmaceuticals.
