The framework is up at Urban 8 Logistics Park near Bromsgrove

A significant milestone in the development of a £32.9 million Urban 8 Logistics Park at King’s Norton, between Bromsgrove and Birmingham has been reached.

Progress on the 400,000 sq. ft warehousing and logistics hub, a speculative development by Canmoor Asset Management and Tristan Capital Partners, in partnership with regeneration specialists St Francis Group, is more than a third of the way towards practical completion.

Steel frameworks of five of the eight units have been erected and work to fit the composite metal cladding is underway.

Located on the former Pilkington Automotive and GKN Aerospace sites, the units range from 25,000 sq ft to 70,000 sq. ft. It is estimated the development could bring up to 900 jobs to the area.

Despite challenges involving the constraints of the site, together with a prolonged period of extremely wet weather, GMI as the principal contractor has worked to mitigate impact and is looking towards now starting and progressing finishing activities to the first two units.

Located off Eckersall Road, the 29-acre brownfield site is adjacent to the A441 and A38.

Simon Dale, Director of Operations at St Francis Group, said: “This project not only represents a significant investment in the infrastructure and logistical capabilities of the Midlands but is a benchmark for future developments within the sector."

Tom Maltby, a Director of Canmoor Asset Management added: “The steel is up, and the roof is on Unit 8, and we will be offering occupancy from November 2024 which is really exciting. This is the largest speculative mid box scheme in the region targeting occupation from Q4 this year.”

In 2019, GKN Aerospace announced the phased closure of its factory, which produced high-performance windscreens and windows for civilian and military aircraft, with work transferring to other sites. Meanwhile Pilkington Automotive consolidated its operations into a larger warehouse in nearby Redditch.