THE Newcastle office of GVA has been appointed as employer’s agent and cost consultant on one of the largest pre-let industrial deals in the North East for years.
GVA is project managing the new 343,000 sq ft clothing warehouse at Teeslink on Wynyard Park, near Stockton.
Retail giant Asda and Leeds-based Clipper Logistics are investing around £15m in the warehouse for the George brand of clothing.
The development is a joint venture between British Airways Pension Trustees Ltd and Sladen Estate Ltd, both of whom GVA works with closely on a national basis.
Work commenced last November and will complete in September this year, when Clipper Logistics Group will take occupation on a new 16-year lease.
The warehouse will be a garment processing hub which will include an additional 450,000 sq ft of mezzanine floor (on three storeys) within the main building footprint, incorporating a semi-automated hanging garment system.
It is estimated that between 400 and 500 people will be employed on the site once it becomes fully operational and many other jobs will be created during construction.
Gordon Hewling, director at the Newcastle office of GVA, said: “We are delighted to be involved in one of the largest industrial deals in recent years. After our initial involvement with Phase 1, which was completed in 2006, it is excellent to see the remainder of the development being built.
“The project has been in the planning phase over the last 18 months and we have worked with all parties to ensure a viable solution. Given the requirements of Clipper, we have worked closely with both the developer and tenant to incorporate the fit-out works into the main contract, effectively doubling the contract value, though limiting any increase in the construction programme.
“This adds to our ongoing portfolio of industrial development projects. We are managing the construction of a series of similar units in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and have completed a 463,000 sq ft food storage distribution unit in Andover, Hampshire. Both schemes have also involved significant off-site infrastructure works”.
Drivers on the A19 can now see the building taking shape, with the steel frame complete and cladding about to commence.
Upon completion, the building will provide a footprint of 343,000 sq ft and will include an administration block and two separate hub offices at either end of the building. The building has a clear height of 14m to accommodate the three-storey mezzanine floor, with the ground-floor slab of the unit having been specially strengthened to accommodate this and allow for future flexibility.
GVA has worked closely with the developer and occupier to ensure the building meets the correct design criteria for the proposed use, though maintains flexibility for the owner. The building will achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating and a 10% reduction on CO² emissions has also been achieved through good design practice.
In addition to coordinating the construction works, GVA has also liaised closely with the solicitors acting for all parties and with adjoining land owners to ensure the works could commence on time and in accordance with the requisite consents.
Hewling added: “With any project such as this, it is important that the legal, as well as all construction and technical issues are properly dealt with.
“Through our experience of acting for developers, funds and occupiers, we are aware of individual requirements and are able to liaise as appropriate to ensure the correct documentation is in place, allowing the tenant to occupy in accordance with its requirements while protecting the long-term investment of the developer and funds”.