Work kicks off on net zero Panattoni Park Sittingbourne
Work has started on Panattoni Park Sittingbourne in Kent - a net zero carbon logistics development - following a £150 million investment by Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate company in the UK and Europe.
The 26-acre site near Kemsley will be the county's largest speculative property development in more than a decade, according to commercial property agents Caxtons.
READ MORE: Panattoni acquires third site in Kent taking its investment in region to over £350m
It will comprise 644,000 sq ft split between two units of 439,000 sq ft and 205,000 sq ft and will offer potentially 1,069 new jobs for Swale. The two buildings are expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2025.
As reported last October, the site was Panattoni's third acquisition in Kent, taking its investment in the region to over £350 million over 12 months.
"Following the commercial success of our nearby Panattoni Park Aylesford, the development off the M20, we know there is significant demand from international businesses looking for high-quality, modern logistics space with strong sustainability credentials, close to London and the channel ports," said Alex Mitchell, development manager at Panattoni.
"The fact that we are speculatively bringing these two buildings forward is testament to our confidence in Kent, as well as our detailed understanding of what the logistics industry wants as it seeks to improve its operational and environmental performance. Since acquiring the site in September last year, we have already had strong interest from prospective occupiers."
The park will feature roof-mounted photovoltaic panelling and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Access to the national grid means the site can provide 5 Mega Volt Amperes (MVA) of power, with a further 1.35MVa of power generated from the incorporated solar panelling, totalling 6.35MVa of power across the park.
The buildings will be targeting net zero carbon status with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of 'A' and expected BREEAM sustainability rating of 'Excellent'.
Panattoni acquired the site at the end of last year from Abrdn, the UK-based global investment company.
The site sits between London and Dover, four miles north of the M2, while £100 million is being invested at Junction 5 and Stockbury roundabout, where work is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
