Yusen Logistics planning UK mega shed

By Liza Helps Property Editor Logistics Matters

A PLANNING application has gone in for a 1.59 million ft2 cross dock warehouse facility at SEGRO’s SLP Northampton scheme in the East Midlands with Yusen Logistics as the occupant subject to planning.

Correspondence between SEGRO  planners Oxalis and West Northampton Council identify Yusen Logistics UK as the specific occupier for a bespoke and high-tech cross-docked distribution facility which once built would be Yusen Logistics’ largest warehouse globally, designed to both compliment and responds to its operational needs.

The facility will comprise a warehouse of 1.144 million ft2 with 333,251 ft2 mezzanine as well as a three storey office totalling 35,810 ft2 and two hub offices of 5,190 ft2 and 8,000 ft2.

The property will have 85 dock and 10 level access doors  with a further 48 dock levellers  accounted for future use on the opposite side of the building - effectively making the facility cross dock. There will be yards of 55m and 35m on wither side of the building. There is provision for 258 HGV  spaces as well as 924 car parking spaces (185 EV).

The proposed development is for a modern distribution building which responds to the needs of the logistics market through automated areas within the mezzanine levels to help with productivity. The facility will deliver a variety of job roles across a range of skills sets such as warehouse operatives, management, IT servicing and administration support. It will target BREEAM Excellent nd an EPC A rating there will be an initial provision on the roof for 107,000 ft2 of Photovoltaic Array (PV), with an additional provision of 161,458 ft2 built in for future expansion should this be required.

The building is anticipated to be one of the first constructed on the Segro Logistics Park Northampton Gateway Estate. 

It is not surprising that Yusen Logistics UK has selected SLP Northampton, the 5 million ft2 scheme incorporates a 35-acre rail freight interchange. In its most recent annual report for the year ending April 2023. The company noted: “UK Rail services are seen as a crucial element in our journey [to net zero] and that of our customers toward carbon neutrality in the coming years. We have initiated plans for implementation within the next 12 months which will significantly benefit customers across all business segments aligning with their 2030 net zero commitments.”

The company is also keen to invest in automation as a means to increase productivity. It said in the annual report: “We are actively pursuing the development of warehouse automation to enhance efficiency and capacity in our warehouse solutions for existing and future customers. This constitutes a key strategy for the company and significant progress has already been made during FY22 with continued commitment and investment planned for future developments.”

It is thought that the facility at SLP Northampton will further those ambitions. The scheme has access to some 32Mva of power on site from day one.

SEGRO is investing £190 million in infrastructure works on the site to include major upgrades to Junctions 15 and 15A on the M1 motorway which is being carried out by main contractor Winvic.

Joint letting agents are CBRE, Colliers and Cushman & Wakefield.