Developer completes first phase of £46.5m warehouse scheme

St. Modwen Logistics has announced the completion of the first phase of a major £46.5 million warehouse scheme it is building in Derby.

St. Modwen Park Derby, which is being created in partnership with Derby City Council and Network Rail, involves the transformation of a 67-acre brownfield site, located off the A52.

Once complete, the site is expected to bring up to 1,250 jobs to the city.

The first phase, which comprises four units totalling 303,000 sq ft, was opened at an event attended by dignitaries, including Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of the city council, Mayor of Derby, Councillor Robin Wood, Derby North MP Amanda Solloway and Marketing Derby managing director John Forkin.

Robert Richardson, development director, St. Modwen Logistics, said: “It is great to officially declare St. Modwen Park Derby open and to see the support the development has had from the local council and other stakeholders.

“We are already in advanced discussions with parties about these units and look forward to welcoming businesses to this space ahead of commencing work on phase two.”

According to St. Modwen, the Derby development offers its most sustainable warehouse space to date.

It showcases the St Modwen Swan Standard – a set of industry-leading sustainable development guidelines, with a focus on responsible building practices and the needs of its customers and employees.

The park is targeting the BREEAM Excellent standard, demonstrating significant investment and innovation in sustainability above current regulation and practice.

The completed park will also feature a number of health and wellbeing enhancements.

Biodiversity and sustainable environments will also be integrated into the park, with the planting of thousands of trees.

Speaking at the opening of the first phase, Mrs Solloway said: “It’s been fascinating to see St. Modwen Park Derby taking shape on what was waste ground next to the Wyvern Centre.

“It’s incredible to consider the huge benefits that it will bring to Derby in terms of job creation and the provision of high-quality warehouse space and the kind of modern, dedicated office space that the city and the wider Midlands needs if it is to grow and prosper.

“We have always spoken of Derby’s position in the country and its excellent transport links, and this development, and Phase 2, when it is completed, are perfect examples of the how the city is using them to its advantage.”

Mr Richardson said: “This project is symbolic of our commitment to invest in areas where we feel we can provide local economic growth and generate jobs for the local region.

“There is currently a huge appetite for warehouse space like this is across the Midlands and the North and these units were built to address this.”