West Midlands-based main contractor MCS Group has secured a major construction contract from Harleyford Capital to deliver Watford Works – a 180,000 sq ft Grade A industrial and logistics development in north-west London.
The 13-unit scheme – ranging from 7,500 to 58,000 sq ft – will be built to BREEAM Industrial Outstanding and EPC A+ standards, incorporating full photovoltaic roof coverage, EV charging infrastructure and enhanced cladding.
Work on phase one is now underway, with practical completion targeted for October 2026.
The project is being funded through a £25.5m debt facility provided by QuadReal Property Group. Harleyford Capital and Fiera Real Estate, acting through the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund (FRELD), acquired the 8.5-acre site off-market.
Strategically positioned in Watford, within five miles of the M25, M1 and A41, the Tolpits Lane development offers occupiers direct access to Heathrow Airport and Central London, supported by a market-leading specification including level-loading doors and 2MVA power across the scheme.
Sustainability is a core focus for Watford Works, with the design aimed at minimising energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions and lowering occupational running costs. FRELD’s investment strategy targets the delivery of small-to-mid-box logistics assets with best-in-class ESG credentials.
Rob Townsend, joint managing director at Warwick-based MCS Group, said: “We are proud to have been appointed as main contractor for Watford Works, a scheme that sets a new benchmark for sustainable logistics development in the South East.
“The project’s technical complexity, ambitious ESG targets and market-leading specification play directly to our strengths as a business, and we are delighted to be collaborating with Harleyford Capital on such an important addition to the region’s industrial supply. Our team is already mobilised on site, and we look forward to delivering a high-quality, future-proofed scheme that meets the needs of modern occupiers and supports long-term economic growth for the area.”
Thomas Mallindine, managing director at Harleyford Capital, said: “Watford Works is already generating significant occupier interest, highlighting the market appeal of best-in-class, sustainable urban logistics space. We are pleased to be working with MCS Group to bring forward this exemplary scheme.”
Harleyford Capital, founded in 2022 by former InfraRed Capital Partners directors Dean Harrison and Thomas Mallindine, alongside Zayn Khamisa and Fiera Real Estate, is responsible for delivering the project. The management team has transacted more than £2bn of pan-European real estate in previous roles.
MCS Group, founded in 2003, is an award-winning construction contractor delivering projects across the industrial, storage, and distribution sectors, as well as more than 300 car dealerships for brands including Audi, BMW, McLaren, and Jaguar Land Rover.
