Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new distribution centre

LOGISTICS firm Wincanton announced that it is expanding its Scottish operations, with establishment of a new distribution centre located in the heart of Scotland’s “golden triangle”.

The company has secured a 15-year lease for the brand new 126,960 sq ft unit at the award-winning Belgrave Logistics Park, in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.

This transaction, agreed with developer and landlord Knight Property Group, marks one of the largest industrial deals completed in Scotland this year.

It is also the largest letting of a speculative new build since 2018 for the Greater Glasgow market.

According to Wincanton, the deal signifies the company’s continued growth and commitment to Scotland.

It follows the launch of its Scottish Gateway hub in Motherwell in April 2023, which spans 153,000 sq ft.

The new distribution centre in Bellshill is strategically positioned, only six miles away from the Motherwell hub.

Derek Stirling, Country Manager for Scotland at Wincanton, said that the new distribution centre reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Scotland.

Derek also said that it “promises enhanced services and efficiencies” for customers and partners across the country.

He added: “We are delighted with the high-quality space and accessibility of our new facility at Belgrave, conveniently located in close proximity to our existing hub in Motherwell.”

James Barrack, Chairman and Founder of Knight Property Group, praised the deal to secure Wincanton for the unit at Belgrave.

He said that the move “underpins and reinforces our strategy of committing to the speculative development of the best units in the best locations across Scotland.

“The last two units are seeing high levels of interest and we hope to be able to place them under offer very soon.”

Belgrave Logistics Park, a £55m brand new speculative development by Knight Property boasts a total area of 261,193 sq ft across five buildings.

Wincanton’s unit features composite wall and roof cladding, an internal height of 12 meters, four level access doors, and 16 dock levellers.

Additionally, it includes a 2,870 sq ft office space, 63 car parking spaces, and a 55-metre deep yard. 

It also has “all-electric” buildings with environmental credentials such as an EPC rating of A+ and a BREEAM “excellent rating”.

The park also features electric car charging points, solar photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, heat recovery air conditioning, and water management systems.

Alan Gilkison, Managing Partner of Ryden, said: “This deal represents one of the largest industrial transactions to be concluded in Scotland over the past year.

“[The deal showcases] Knight Property Group’s commitment to delivering quality speculative developments in key geographical areas.

“With three out of the five units already let at Belgrave Logistics Park, strong occupier interest is noted for the remaining space.”

Ross Sinclair, Director of Savills added: “It was a pleasure to see Wincanton and Knight act transparently and expediently throughout this transaction.

“This was critical in achieving the eventual successful outcome to meet the objectives of Landlord and Tenant alike.”

Ryden and JLL are agents for Knight Property Group, whilst Savills represented Wincanton.

The project architect was SPACE Solutions, the engineer was Fairhurst, QS/ CA was Axiom, Wallace Whittle were M&E, with the main contractor Clark Contracts.