PLP moves into shed space with strategic logistics offer

Leading infrastructure, transport and real estate investment company The Peel Group has unveiled its intentions to become a key player in the logistics market, with the launch at MIPIM 2014 of an industrial land bank on an unprecedented scale.

The 66 sites across almost 6,000 acres of land throughout the UK will be promoted through PLP, a strategic marketing alliance combining land assets from The Peel Group, Peel Ports and through Peel’s alliance with leading UK property regeneration company Harworth Estates.

PLP offers 60 million sq. ft. of new build space with a potential total built investment value of over £4 billion.

Many of the sites are multi-modal; Peel Ports is already Great Britain’s second largest group of ports and the company’s aviation interests include four airports in the North of England.

Matthew Fitton, who is leading PLP said:

“The global logistics market is changing at a dynamic pace; the challenge for organisations is to ensure their supply chains remain efficient and effective in servicing their customers’ needs.

“Any distribution or manufacturing organisation seeking to maintain a competitive edge in this new world needs the right property in the right location, this make the PLP offer so relevant to the global logistics revolution we are currently witnessing.

“In addition, we will also be bringing forward a new sustainable logistics-based initiative where The Peel Group’s wider interests in energy, utility and environmental solutions will be integrated into the PLP land offer, giving occupiers the full locational and sustainability package.

“The need to deliver sustainable logistics solutions has never been higher on the agenda and this initiative will be a key component of the PLP offer.”

Of the 66 sites, 42 percent are in the North West, 35 percent are across Yorkshire and the Midlands, 10 percent are in the North East and 12 percent are in Scotland. The portfolio also includes a three-acre site in the South East, making up the final percentage of the allocation.

Ten of the sites have the ability to accommodate one million sq. ft. distribution centres.

17 sites are brought to market through Peel’s strategic alliance with Harworth Estates, of which it has a minority shareholding. The three companies will continue to market their own sites individually, with PLP providing a marketing umbrella for the UK-wide portfolio.

Phil Wilson, executive director at Harworth Estates commented:

“We are delighted to be in this strategic alliance with The Peel Group and Peel Ports.  Our combined logistics offer is unparalleled, offering quality space for small businesses all the way through to multinational distributors.  With more than half of UK third party logistics companies expected to invest more in equipment, people and premises in 2014 than 2013, PLP directly supports the UK’s ambitious plans for growth.”

The launch of PLP is timed to meet the accelerating demand for quality space. The portfolio will offer over 100 million sq. ft. of bespoke distribution warehousing, together with funding and outline planning consent for many of the sites. 1,900 acres have all infrastructure in place and are ready for occupation.

Commenting on the launch, John Whittaker, Chairman of The Peel Group, said:

“PLP brings together the largest land bank in the UK and is a key strategic project for the organisation. In assembling the portfolio, we have our sights firmly fixed on the long-term and are delighted that the majority of the sites offer multi-modal transport options, helping to meet the current and future needs of occupiers who want to move goods swiftly and cost-effectively.

“Additionally, well over a third of our sites already have planning consent and infrastructure in place allowing businesses to progress with their new ventures quickly, creating substantial employment and regeneration opportunities.

Mr Whittaker added:

“We believe now is the right time to launch PLP; we are seeing unprecedented demand for ‘oven-ready’ logistics space, driven by both the growth in e-commerce activity and the move towards re-shoring manufacturing supply chains. PLP is ideally positioned to help occupiers find the perfect space to locate their logistics’ operations.”

The Peel Group’s vision is to create sustainable environments where people and businesses can flourish. PLP will honour this vision, delivering state-of-the-art sustainable schemes, many of which will act as catalysts for wider economic regeneration.

Joining Matthew Fitton and Phil Wilson on the PLP management team are Andy Martin and Warren Marshall – Peel Ports, and James Whittaker and Ed Burrows – Peel.