Work has started on the construction of Didcot Quarter, the largest industrial development in south Oxfordshire for over 20 years, with the development of two major speculative industrial units that will provide a total of 310,000 sq of warehouse space.
Marketed by VSL and Savills on behalf of Diageo Pension Trust, construction is underway on the first industrial unit, known as DQ190, which will cover 190,000 sq ft. The DQ 190 unit was initially available on a build to suit basis, but as a consequence of high demand and a low supply of new development, the developer decided to proceed speculatively. The practical completion of DQ190 is scheduled for March 2020.
A further industrial unit totalling 120,000 sq ft, known as DQ120 offering similar facilities is being developed and is scheduled for completion in March 2020.
To cater for the local areas focus towards the technology market, special emphasis has been placed on creating an environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of employees with five acres of natural landscaping featuring native trees and flowers. Features include a boardwalk and grass amphitheatre with a waterside setting while the buildings themselves have been designed to be highly sustainable, aiming to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
Around 10 per cent of energy will be generated on site through solar panels and air source heat pumps while a rainwater harvesting system will also be installed.
Tom Barton, director at VSL, said: “A development of this type and quality has not been developed before in the South Oxford area and we anticipate the buildings will appeal to some of the fast growing technology businesses as more traditional industrial businesses, and potentially bringing significant further inward investment to the area.
