Developer Goodman has been granted planning consent for a 130,000 sq ft print and distribution centre at Thurrock Commercial Park in Essex.
The scheme has been pre-let to consumer media company DMGT subsidiary A&N Media, which publishes in the Daily Mail. A&N Media will relocate to Thurrock from its existing site in Surrey Quays in a move that represents an investment of £50m in the new plant.
Goodman has separately let 4.1 acres of land to The Co-operative Group to use as yard space for its vehicles. This land represents the remaining available space for Phase one of development at Thurrock Commercial Park, which is now fully pre-let.
The development plots have already been cleared and are ready for construction to commence. The site’s infrastructure is also nearing completion following Goodman’s implementation of a previous planning consent which included vast wildlife protection areas to preserve the site’s biodiversity and Natural England has commended Goodman’s progressive approach in dealing with the site.
Goodman is due to start construction on the print works, which will achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating in September 2011, with completion expected in June 2012.
Jason Harris, development director at Goodman said: “We’re delighted that A&N Media has chosen Thurrock Commercial Park to make this substantial commitment, demonstrating their confidence in the site as a strategic business location. They will act as an anchor occupier for our development and a catalyst for the regeneration of this area of Thurrock.”
Goodman is marketing the remaining Phase 2 of development, which comprises of 12 acres or design and build opportunities for 240,000 sq ft of industrial space.
Thurrock Commercial Park is situated within 8.5 miles of Junction 30 of the M25 and the Dartford river crossing. The site is opposite the Royal Mail Distribution facility, the Co-operative Group Regional Distribution facility and Lakeside Shopping Centre is a short distance to the north. Chafford Hundred railway station is nearby and provides a direct service to London Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness.
