Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has been granted permission to deliver 1.9 million sq ft of high-quality warehousing and distribution space in Kent to serve London and the South East.
The 90 acre site, previously home to Aylesford Newsprint and close to Junction 4 of the M20, is expected to be fully developed and occupied by 2024.
In what will be the company’s largest UK development to date, Panattoni Park Aylesford is a £180m investment in high quality sustainable industrial development, infrastructure, parking, landscaping and access, including a new £7m link road.
With the outline permission secured, Panattoni can build a single unit up to 1.2 million sq ft, alongside other units, with the remaining space built to suit the specific needs of the tenants, and subject to a detailed planning application.
The development has been designed to secure the 10% biodiversity net gain required by Government. Each building will have a supertight envelope and utilise air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, roof lighting and energy efficient building materials.
Work is expected to get under way this spring. Panattoni’s first priority will be to deliver the new link road, which will serve the park, improve the local transport network and reduce congestion between Junctions 4 and 5 of the M20.
Anthony Watkins, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Aylesford will be our flagship development in the UK and it offers the all-important location, combined with space, height, power, ample gas and water supply, demanded by today’s logistics industry.
“Since announcing our proposals at Panattoni Park Aylesford we have received very strong levels of interest at this stage in the project from potential tenants to take space here in Kent.”
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council approved Panattoni’s plans for the redevelopment of the site next to the River Medway, which has stood vacant since 2015.
Panattoni was advised during the planning process by Barton Willmore, transport consultants Vectos, PA Connect, and PR consultants Maxim.
The agents for the site are CBRE, Avison Young and JLL.
