Panattoni has agreed a relocation deal with pitched roof manufacturer Marley that involves it relocating to Panattoni Park Aylesford and Panattoni securing a prime site from Marley in Wrotham (pictured).
The pre-let follows those to DHL, Fowler Welch and Evri, and further units are under offer.
Panattoni is developing a modern logistics park on the former Aylesford Newsprint site, close to junction 4 of the M20, to serve London and the South East. Marley has signed a long-term lease for a 9,945sq ft design-and-build facility, which will be used for storage and distribution.
Panattoni expects to deliver the facility to Marley in the first quarter of 2023. Marley will relocate its current operation and staff from Wrotham, six miles west of Aylesford. The move ensures the company will remain in the Tonbridge and Malling district and is able to retain its current work force.
As part of the relocation deal, Panattoni has acquired Marley’s current Wrotham site on the A20, close to junction 2a of the M26. Panattoni intends to bring forward a speculative logistics development on the site, by submitting a planning application later this year.
The park’s sustainability strategy aims to minimise the operational use of carbon, which includes some scope three emissions from tenant activity and installed equipment and systems, such as heating and lighting. Every building at the park will have air source heat pumps to control temperature in the offices and photovoltaic panels on the roofs.
It is expected that these measures will generate up to 15% reductions in regulated energy use across the building. Panattoni is also working in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust to achieve a 10% net gain in biodiversity at the site.
Tony Watkins, development director at Panattoni, said: “We are delighted to have agreed a deal with Marley that enables the company to relocate to a new facility and stay in the area and retain its workforce. We look forward to delivering the new bespoke facility for a local occupier and have the company operational later this year, along with bringing a new development forward for other occupiers to grow. This is our fourth letting at Aylesford and justifies our confidence in Aylesford."
