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The first phase of Konect 62, a major tri-modal logistics and industrial scheme in Yorkshire, is set to start in four weeks following the appointment of McLaren Construction by developers Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse.

Located at the axis of the M62 and the A1(M) on the former site of Kellingley Colliery at Knottingley, the 136-acre scheme could be completed by Q3 2023, the developers said this week.

The project will see the speculative development of a 1.1m sq ft energy efficient warehouse space across four units, all built to BREEAM Excellent sustainability standards.

This first phase includes Big K, a 735,000sq ft unit, which the developers claim to be one of the largest ever delivered in the north of the UK.

In addition another three units of 161,000, 151,000 and 55,000sq ft will be built, catering to a variety of potential occupiers.

Konect 62 will offer tri-modal connectivity to the UK and continental Europe via road, water or rail.

The development holds full planning consent for 1.4m sq ft of prime logistics accommodation, however the developers have announced that plans are under review to enlarge the scheme to around 1.8m sq ft, to meet “strong occupier demand”, with a further planning application for the additional area due to be submitted in the new year.

David Nuttall, MD of Cole Waterhouse industrial and logistics, said: “Appointing McClaren to deliver these sustainable and high-quality units so quickly after we acquired the land and completed the construction funding is a major step forward for Konect and a statement of intent from the partners involved.

“We plan to be on site within four weeks with completion from Q3 2023. The range of units we are developing will appeal to a diverse range of occupiers who will bring high quality jobs and investment to the area and cement Konect as a significant employment destination in anticipation of our future phases in the coming years.”

Commenting on the investment, Christophe Kuhbier, managing director at Henderson Park, said: “This strategically located site is optimally placed to deliver much needed capacity into the critically undersupplied Yorkshire industrial market, with local vacancy rates of 2.2%.

“We are confident that the sustainability and technical specifications of the scheme we are developing will appeal to the highest quality logistics operators as well as traditional industrial occupiers, who are increasingly energy conscious.

“We are excited to get the project underway and deliver what we believe will be an exemplary regeneration of a major brownfield site.”

Gary Cramp, MD of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), added: “We are delighted to have secured the project which represents a great investment for the Yorkshire region, including plans for one of the largest units ever to be delivered here.

“The scale and scope of the scheme will bring abundant investment and employment opportunities to the county’s industrial and logistics market, and we are looking forward to continuing relationships with Henderson Park, Cole Waterhouse and their stakeholders.”

The development plans to offer tri-modal connectivity to the UK and continental Europe via road, water or rail.