Didcot: Work starts on largest industrial development in 20 years

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 which provide a total of 310,000 sq ft of distribution and logistics 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 DQ 190 is scheduled for March 2020.

A further industrial unit totalling 120,000 sq ft, known as DQ 120 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% of energy will be generated on site through solar panels and air source heat pumps while a rainwater harvesting system will also be installed. A new bus stop and cycle path will be created to promote sustainable methods of transport.

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.

“Didcot Quarter will really offer something different to traditional industrial space. These units have been designed to a very high specification and will be set in a fantastic environment which will directly benefit employees.

“Didcot is a thriving, expanding town offering a ready-made workforce for employees while the site offers excellent access to major conurbations, industrial centres and the south coast ports by road and through the nearby train station.”