New scheme - Chancerygate and Northwood Investors intend to deliver a 430,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Grays (site outlined in green)

Plans are in train to speculatively develop a major logistics and industrial park in Grays in Essex following the purchase of a 430,000 sq ft site at the Titan Industrial Estate.

The 35-acre site has been bought by a joint venture (JV) between developer Chancerygate and real estate private equity firm Northwood Investors.

The JV intends to develop 430,000 sq ft across 28 leasehold units ranging from 5,000 sq ft to 130,000 sq ft on the land, which is located one mile north of the town centre and five miles east of junction 30 of the M25.

The site was sold to Chancerygate and Northwood Investors by chemical manufacturer and distributor Industrial Chemicals Group (ICGL). It currently houses an IGCL manufacturing facility which is surplus to requirements and will be closed down over the next 12 months after which it will be demolished for the new development.

Commenting on the acquisition, Chancerygate head of development, Alastair King, said: “This site presents an excellent opportunity for us to speculatively build a state-of-the art, sustainable business park.

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“It will provide much-needed smaller urban logistics and industrial units in a local and regional market dominated in recent years by big and mid box development.

“The development’s proximity to the M25 means future occupiers will be best placed to serve Essex, East London and the wider Greater London conurbation.

“Our proposed development of high specification, sustainable industrial accommodation will contribute to the economic growth of local economy and stimulate further investment and job creation supplying units ideally suited to local SME companies.”

Chancerygate and Northwood Investors will submit its plans for the development to Thurrock Council in the autumn.

John Carver, director at ICGL said: "After 40 years on site, we have collectively decided at ICGL to sell Titan Works to pave the way for our expansion at West Thurrock, which will become our new headquarters and one of two mega sites for IGCL in the UK."