Merchant Place Developments, has officially launched Amazon Park, its 1.4m sq ft distribution and logistics scheme, near Newton Aycliffe in County Durham.
It is actively seeking pre-lets through its agent, Cushman & Wakefield, on the scheme, which could include the largest distribution building ever seen in the North East, a one million sq ft structure with eaves up to 24m high.
“There are sound commercial reasons for including such a large building on this site,” said Hunton. “Despite the present economic uncertainties, interest remains strongest for the larger facilities mainly from retailers and logistics firms.
“The focus is clearly on size of space, quality, occupational and labour costs, best accessibility to markets and lease terms. In this respect we are extremely competitive.”
The decision to seek pre-lets rather than develop speculatively is driven by the realisation that tenants want a say in how buildings, which they will occupy, will be designed and developed.
“The issues facing retailers and logistics firms are many and varied and we need to remain as flexible as possible,” said Hunton.
“Furthermore, this will be an environmentally friendly development with reduced water usage, carbon dioxide emissions, reduced pollutants and overall building operating costs.
“Market trends are also changing with cross-docking a new and innovative approach to distribution. Clearly it is in everyone’s interests to work together to deliver a quality building.”
Amazon Park is located just off Junction 59 of the A1M, which gives excellent access to several key conurbations as well as south to the M62 corridor and west to the M6 and M74 into Scotland.
In addition to the one million sq ft warehouse facility, two other warehouses will be developed, one of 62,000 sq ft and the other over 330,000 sq ft.
