Albion Land signs DHL as first occupier for new 3 million sq ft logistics park at M40 J10 – Axis J10

The deal – the first to be announced – will anchor Albion Land’s proposed 3 million sq ft development as the company expands its operations in Cherwell and the M40 corridor to satisfy the rapidly increasing demand for e-commerce related logistics.

Albion Land has submitted planning applications to Cherwell District Council for the development which is immediately adjacent to the north side of the M40 at J10 (the intersection with the A43).  The application is for a next generation logistics park meeting the strong market demand for high grade, environmentally sustainable and well-connected space.

Simon Parsons, Director at Albion Land, says:

“Our proposals on the north side of J10 will provide approximately 3 million sq ft of outstanding commercial space in a prime location and in zero carbon buildings.  This is about meeting the unsatisfied demand from major logistics operators in this region where no other suitable sites are available.  We want the scheme to be an asset for Cherwell and to ensure that the region benefits from the many high-quality jobs and the boost to economic activity that the logistics sector brings.”

“Securing our first occupier is a fantastic achievement and a tremendous vote of confidence in the scheme and the location.  The deal reflects the substantial increase in logistics demand as a result of the expanding ecommerce market.  We understand the DHL facility will be in addition to their existing major logistics operations in the area.  Our ability to offer two bespoke buildings in this location demonstrates the potential for the remaining units we are looking to bring forward.”

The masterplan proposals for Axis J10 are for a potential five large units of between 350,000 and 1,000,000 sq ft arranged across two separate development plots either side of the A43.  Ultimately the building sizes will match specific logistics occupier requirements.

The total development is anticipated to create up to 4,000 jobs.

Albion Land has submitted planning applications to Cherwell District Council and, subject to planning consent, is targeting to start work on site in 2022 and to have the first buildings available for occupation in 2023.

The deliverability of the site is one of its strategic advantages with limited ground engineering and earthworks required and the site already benefitting from good connections to the M40.  The two development plots would both access the strategic highway network via connections to the B4100, linking directly onto the A43 and M40 J10.

Cherwell struggles with a lack of availability for large-scale logistics buildings to meet modern occupier trends.  Albion Land is looking to ensure that Cherwell can compete to secure these substantial economic opportunities by ensuring it can provide these in-demand facilities and do so within the short and immediate timeframes that occupiers want. 

DHL Supply Chain’s operation of the site will support the business growth of its retail and consumer division and form important elements of its national supply chain. 

Colliers International advised on the DHL transaction.

The proposals

The proposed site is between Cherwell Valley services (M40) and Baynards Green services (A43) spanning either side of the A43.

DHL’s intended use is to service its retail and consumer client base – the facilities would not be last-mile logistics and home/parcel delivery but part of the strategic supply chain.

Albion Land:

Albion Land is a privately-owned commercial property developer and asset manager. Established in 1990, it is run by the original founders Simon Parsons and Kelvin Pearce with the ethos of collaboration and personal service running through every project. It works with local authorities, local communities, construction companies and businesses to unlock land to provide business space and investment opportunities.

Albion Land is committed to developing a number of high-quality schemes in Bicester, recent and current projects total more than 1,000,000 sq ft including Axis J9, Link 9 (Skimmingdish Lane) and Catalyst Bicester.

More at: https://albionland.co.uk/