Basingstoke: Logistics hub could deliver 1,500 jobs
Industrial and logistics developer Newlands Developments has plans for a new distribution hub in Basingstoke that could deliver as many as 1,500 new full-time jobs locally and provide more than £100 million of direct investment into the area annually.
Newlands Developments has submitted an outline planning application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council seeking permission to build up to 271,000 sq m distribution and employment hub at Oakdown Farm.
“Logistics is a key area for growth with significant commercial demand plus an identified need for logistics and distribution space in the Basingstoke and Deane area," Jo Davis, a principal at Avison Young who is leading the consultation process. "The developers are already in detailed discussions with local, regional and national occupiers who have requirements in the region.”
Basingstoke Gateway would be built on an 82-acre site, with a new access roundabout off the A30.
The jobs created at the development would be especially beneficial given the state of the economy, John Barker, development director at Newlands, said.
"With Basingstoke Gateway there is the potential for world class business activity to be served across the local economy," Barker said. "And at this time of employment uncertainty in the wider economy, a wide range of jobs will be delivered for local residents, from entry level and unskilled; apprenticeships; through to skilled technical and managerial roles.”
The application for outline planning permission will encompass storage, distribution and employment space, with ancillary offices developed over three zones. The masterplan would work towards achieving zero carbon by 2030, in line with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s net zero pledge, "through the use of sustainable energy, and a sustainable travel plan," Avison Young said in a press release.
If planning permission is granted, Newlands would begin the development in spring 2021 creating a significant number of construction and subsequent full-time jobs in late 2021-early 2022.
Source: CoStar
