Great Bear warehouse secures planning
Plans for a new 355,000 ft2 warehouse for Great Bear Distribution in Willenhall, Wolverhampton have been given the go ahead by Wolverhampton Council.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
THE PLAN for a 355,000 ft2 facility, which was considered controversial, was put forward by Oldham-based developer Goold Estates. Logistics Matters reported on the scheme last month.
The new facility will replace and upgrade Great Bear Distribution’s outdated property at Spring Road in Ettingshall.
The new facility will be built to target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. It is designed to a modern, environmentally sustainable, purpose-built facility to meet Great Bear’s long-term operational requirements. This will allow it to remain in the local area, securing and expanding the jobs it currently provides.
The 31.43-acre site is located off Neachells Lane, near Moseley Village in Willenhall, Wolverhampton and was once part of a 19th century colliery and subsequent landfill site that was reclaimed in the 1990’s and is presently used as informal public space.
The buildings and parking areas for the development will use up only half of the current site. The remainder of the site will be re-engineered and re-landscaped to provide a new area of high quality publicly accessible open space with re-routed and well-lit footpaths.
The property will comprise a warehouse with 40 dock and two level access doors boasting 18m eaves and 60 HGV parking spaces along one side of the building with two storey hub office in addition on the opposite side of the building there is a three storey Grade A office block.
Goold Estates managing director Dominic Goold, said: “Investment in the development of the Neachells Lane site will create over 500 jobs and bring significant economic benefits to the area.
“We are committed to working closely with local communities and stakeholders to finalise the design and ensure the retained public open space is an asset for everyone. We want to bring forward a scheme that balances economic growth with the needs of the community and the environment.”
Goold estate will provide £700,000 as part of an S106 agreement for the off-site mitigation for loss of habitat and provide a Long term management plan of the remaining public open space on the site.
