Work has started on a new warehouse employment park in Leicestershire, which will create around 1,000 jobs.
Work on the scheme, known as G-Park, began late last week and is “progressing rapidly” according to the developers, GLP.
It will stand on land next to the A511 and M42 close to Ashby in Leicestershire, a site which is labelled as the ‘Golden Triangle’ for logistics, owing to its location. It has close links to the M1 and East Midlands Airport 10 miles to the North East.
GLP, say that between 880 and 990 full-time jobs will be created at G-Park, with an additional 510 more set to be created as a direct result of the development.
In a statement, the developers speak of having high hopes for the site, in terms of the business and benefits it will bring to the area.
“G-Park Ashby is an exciting addition to our portfolio in the Midlands and indicates our ongoing confidence in opportunities in the Golden Triangle, following the success of projects such as Magna Park Lutterworth”, said Adrienne Howells, Senior Development Director at GLP.
“Trends such as e-commerce have buoyed already high demand for prime logistics space, particularly high-quality, conveniently-located, sustainable facilities such as this.
“Not only will this new development bring excellent opportunities for our customers; it will also boost employment in the region, creating almost 1000 new jobs and providing major benefits for the local economy”.
The site is set to span up to 736,487 SQ FT, and will consist of at least one main warehouse that could be expanded to two depending on customer requirements.
The site will also feature a series of offices as well as 555 car parking spaces according to the plans, which were green lit last year, by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).
Prior to this however, concerns were raised over the development with regard to increased traffic along the A511 and the environmental impact it could have on the area.
However, GLP say that they have put ecology at the heart of the project stating that the development is a “prime example of the care taken by GLP to respect and nurture the natural environment”.
After a colony of great crested newts was discovered on the site, GLP took “significant time and consideration” to rehome them, delaying progression with the earthworks until the colony was safely relocated.
“There will also be an extensive green outdoor space for landscaping and nature, including ecological ponds”, added Ms Howells.
“Once again, we are planning our development with place-making as a priority, focusing on environmental features such as our ponds, green open spaces and our G-Hive bee programme.”
Current earthworks at the site are expected to be finished by early 2023, with the full development set to complete by March 2024.
