Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, the real estate investment and asset management specialist of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, announces grant of planning for the delivery of BOX:STN, one of the UK’s largest and most innovative new-build logistics parks in the critically under supplied Greater London and Southeast regions.

BOX:STN is located adjacent to both Stansted Airport and Junction 8 of the M11 motorway, which connects to the M25 17 miles to the south. With excellent connectivity to Greater London, the Midlands, Felixstowe Port and situated immediately south of the Oxford to Cambridge Innovation Arc, BOX:STN will facilitate access to over 80% of the UK population serviced within the HGV drive time directive and will be accessible to 15 million potential employees within one hour travel time, via the national road and rail networks.

Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate is committed to delivering one of the UK’s most significant logistics developments, constructed to the highest specification to satisfy occupier requirements for ‘future-fit’ operational facilities with exemplary sustainability credentials. The logistics park, designed by leading logistics architects Michael Sparks Associates, will be constructed over a phased development programme due to start midway through 2024. BOX:STN will facilitate occupational flexibility, delivering a range of units from 30,000 sqft to 1MM sqft which is unrivalled in the Greater London and Southeast regions, addressing the critical under-supply of new-build logistics units larger than 300,000 sqft. BOX:STN will deliver units with market leading specification including provision for over 30 Mega Volt Amp dedicated power supply, equivalent to 15 Kilovolt-Amps per 1,000 sqft, which will be powered to site early in 2024 and allows the facility for large scale electric vehicle fleet charging.

The scale of BOX:STN will create a local eco-system with regional significance to become a best-in class employment zone for major corporate facilities and smaller high growth enterprises. The construction phase of the project is estimated to generate 2,000 jobs and provide permanent jobs for 3,000 people upon completion. Recognising the importance of employee wellness, BOX:STN will deliver market leading welfare and sports amenities, including on site day nursery, nature reserve and outdoor multi-sports terrain.

The parks sustainability credentials are central to the genesis of BOX:STN which will be fully carbon neutral throughout its construction phase, with a minimum EPC¹ A+ and BREEAM2  Excellent standard across the entire Park. BOX:STN is designed to be Net Zero Carbon in operation and is directly aligned to Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon across its UK portfolio. Working with key delivery partners, Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate has designed BOX:STN to deliver energy efficient buildings with minimal carbon footprint through sustainable material choices, recycling of redundant airfield infrastructure and use of low carbon and renewable energy technologies. Proximity to neighbouring rail links and upgraded cycle networks, BOX:STN will actively promote sustainable travel choices.

Since acquisition in August 2020, Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate and its key delivery partners have been focussed on delivering BOX:STN at an exemplary standard to fulfil unsatisfied demand for large scale future-fit logistics units in the chronically under-supplied Greater London and Southeast regions.

James Rigg, Chief Investment Officer, UK at Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, commented: ” Having a project of the unparalleled scale of BOX:STN located in the dynamic Greater London and Southeast regions presents a unique opportunity to deliver against occupier requirements to support business growth in key employment sectors whilst showcasing our sustainability commitments for UK real estate.”