A state-of-the-art freight distribution hub is set to come to Leicestershire following a lease agreement by leading logistic network Pall-Ex and commercial property developer Barberry.
Pall-Ex’s new Centre of Excellence will pave the way for construction on a site that will cover 408,000sq ft, with an additional 100,000sq ft canopy, on a 35-acre site.
The £80 million facility will serve as the flagship logistics hub for the network and will house Pall-Ex’s UK and European headquarters.
Scheduled to begin construction later this year, the Centre of Excellence has been designed with sustainability and innovation at its core. The new hub incorporates a variety of energy-efficient and eco-friendly features, including electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels and designated green spaces. Once complete, it will be the first purpose-built facility in the pallet network sector in the UK to be energy self-sufficient.
The hub is forecast to create around 500 construction jobs and an estimated 534 permanent roles.
Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our new, multi-million-pound, cutting-edge Centre of Excellence isn’t just about expansion and growth – it’s about redefining the industry through technology, quality, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. As a market leader, we are immensely proud to unveil plans for premises that will be A+ rated, carbon-neutral, and built for the future.”
Jonathan Robinson, Barberry Development Director, said: “Working closely with Pall-Ex we plan to create a new national palletised freight distribution centre that will deliver new ESG credentials, carbon net zero in occupation, a staff welfare recreation zone – incorporating a football pitch, basketball court and club house – helping attract and retain staff while providing Pall-Ex with the operational excellence that will make the business stand out amongst its UK competitors.”
