The distribution industry is replacing manufacturing as one of London’s major employment generators, says industrial and distribution property provider ProLogis. The company is playing a pivotal role in the regeneration of the Thames Gateway – stretching from the Blackwall Tunnel (both side of the Thames) to the estuary towns of north Kent and Essex – focusing along the A13 from Bromley-by-Bow to Thurrock, and in the immediate vicinity of Dartford.
ProLogis is building more than 38,500sq m of B8 accommodation along the A13 including a 25,110sq m single building on River Road, Barking. South of the Thames, ProLogis Sandpit Road has now been completed, comprising 14,931sq m of high bay distribution accommodation.
Phil Silk, first vice president development at ProLogis, says: “The opening of the new A13 dual carriageway linking the Thames Gateway to the heart of the city really has opened up access to the area. Add to this the potential of a number of vacant brown field sites, and the willingness of the local authorities to regenerate the potential for this sector of the South-east and the Thames Gateway is extremely exciting.”
He continues: “Once the transport infrastructure had been improved, the potential we saw in the Thames Gateway began to be realised. The area is now attracting inward investment and beginning to create jobs.”
