Graftongate and Bridges gain approval for £40m low-carbon industrial/logistics unit near Southampton

Graftongate, a leading commercial property developer, and Bridges Fund Management, a specialist sustainable and impact investor, have been granted planning consent for a new low-carbon industrial/logistics development near Southampton.

Graftongate and Bridges will develop Nursling 135, a 135,000 sq ft unit on a six-acre site at Nursling Industrial Estate, near Jct 3 of the M27.

Benniman has been appointed as main contractor for the development, with construction due to commence this month and complete in Q1 2025.

The new development will target BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A+ and net zero carbon in operation, making it one of the UK’s most sustainable industrial/logistics buildings. It has an expected value of £40 million.

This is the first development to be delivered in partnership between Graftongate and Bridges, having acquired the site together in 2023.

Alex Thomason, director at Graftongate, said: “We are looking forward to working with Bridges and Benniman to deliver this exciting new industrial/logistics development. Nursling 135 will offer highly sustainable accommodation in a strategic industrial zone, stretching from the M27 to the Port of Southampton.”

Henry Pepper, partner at Bridges, said: “We are delighted to have received planning consent for Nursling 135. This will be one of the most sustainable industrial developments in the UK, boosting the local economy and providing much-needed employment space in a recognised logistics location that benefits from great connections to the port and the motorway network.”