GMI Construction Group lands Birmingham logistics hub

GMI Construction Group Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver a 400,000 sq. ft warehousing and logistics hub on the former Pilkington Automotive and GKN Aerospace sites at King’s Norton, Birmingham

Developed by Tristan Capital Partners and Canmoor, in partnership with regeneration specialists St Francis Group, the £32.9m Urban 8 Logistics Park will feature eight highly energy efficient units which range from 25,000 sq. ft to 70,000 sq. ft.

All will achieve a BREEM Excellent rating, and the project features a variety of sustainable measures including LED lighting, over 300,00kWh/annum of PV power generation, electric vehicle charging and energy saving infrastructure – resulting in overall CO2 emissions savings of 25%.

The high specification detached units, set amid landscaped surroundings, will be externally finished in composite metal cladding in various grey and silver finishes, with glazing incorporated into entrances and office spaces.

The speculative development, which could create 900 jobs, will add to Tristan and Canmoor’s already extensive I&L portfolio, and represents a considerable investment in the Midlands market. Henley-based St Francis Group will act as development managers taking responsibility for delivering the completed units.

Located off Eckersall Road, the 29-acre brownfield site is adjacent to the A441 and A38, offering fast connections throughout the region.

In 2019 GKN Aerospace announced the phased closure of its King’s Norton Factory, which produced high-performance windscreens and windows for civilian and military aircraft, with work transferring to other sites. Pilkington Automotive consolidated its operations into a larger warehouse in nearby Redditch.

In February 2021, Birmingham City Council granted full planning permission and the site was cleared in readiness for the multi-unit industrial logistics development.

Gareth Jones, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director, Midlands, said: “We are pleased to have been appointed principal contractor for this high-profile scheme, one that will support investment and create jobs by providing much-needed logistics and manufacturing space.

“GMI has a proven track record of delivering large, high specification industrial units across the Midlands, and we look forward to delivering another high-quality development that will meet market demand.

Ben Reaney, Project Development Lead at St Francis Group, added: “This warehousing and logistics hub is already keenly anticipated due to its prime location and mix of mid box units.

“Urban 8 Logistics Park will deliver levels of quality and sustainability that will exceed expectations.”

The development is due to be completed by Birmingham-headquartered GMI by Q4 2024.