Work is under way on the delivery of the DHL new logistics depot at Panattoni Park Aylesford in Kent. The first steels on DHL’s building have been erected after the groundworks were completed. It marks the start of construction on the site which has planning permission for up to 1.9 million ft sq of high-quality logistics and distribution space.
Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Cllr Matt Boughton joined the team from Panattoni, Europe’s largest privately-owned industrial developer, to watch the building take shape.
“I’m pleased to be here to see the first steps in the construction of what will be a flagship industrial development for the borough. It’s great news for local jobs and I look forward to following the development’s progress and welcoming DHL and other companies to Aylesford,” Cllr Matt said.
The 110,406ft2 building, designed to meet DHL’s specific needs, includes 12 dock doors for HGVs, plus level access for vans on a six-acre plot on the site near Junction 4 of the M20.
The DHL depot has been designed to be consistent with Panattoni’s commitment to the environment and will secure the 10% biodiversity net gain required by Government. It will have a supertight envelope and utilise air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, roof lighting and energy efficient building materials.
“It’s very exciting to see the start of work on DHL’s building and it’s great to show Cllr Boughton the progress we’ve already made on our journey to create a new base for 3,000 workers and the industry leaders in logistics and distribution,” added Tony Watkins, Development Director for Panattoni.
DHL, which will be Panattoni Park Aylesford’s first tenant, has signed a 15-year lease. Its building, located at the junction of Bellingham Way and Station Road, is scheduled to be completed by July 2022.
Panattoni has appointed Buckingham Group as the main contractor and Maidstone-based building, civil engineering and aggregates company Gallagher Group is undertaking the groundworks on the 90-acre former Aylesford Newsprint site adjacent to the River Medway.
