Appointment made for major Birmingham logistics hub

GMI Construction Group has been awarded the contract to deliver a 37,000m² 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 energy-efficient units, ranging in size from 2,300m² to 6,500m².

All of the units are aiming to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and the project will feature 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 portfolio. Located off Eckersall Road, the 29-acre brownfield site is adjacent to the A441 and A38, offering fast connections throughout the region.

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.

The development is due to be completed by the end of 2024.