London & South East Premier Construction

New cargo centre gives major port the edge

London Gateway, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope.
Written by Roma Publications

London Gateway, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope.

A massive 375,000 square foot multi-purpose specialist cargo handling centre is under construction on the DP World London Gateway Logistics Park in Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope.

Located next to DP World London Gateway Port, the UK’s most advanced deep-water container terminal, the new distribution centre will benefit from tri-modal infrastructure via sea, rail and road.

The new building is being developed speculatively as an equal joint venture between DP World, one of the world’s largest port operators, and Prologis, the global leader in industrial real estate.

Following a period of ground preparation and development of key infrastructure by DP World, main contractors Buckingham Group started work on site.

Being constructed in two phases, the new centre will be fully integrated with the new deep sea container port DP World London Gateway.

The new single-sided 15-metre high building will have a 55 metre yard and space for expansion.

The facility will offer 24/7 operation, and the benefit of shared labour and materials handling equipment. The facility will include cross-docking, storage, distribution and multi-user ‘pay-as-you-go’ services, as well as 10,000 sq ft of office space.

The facility has been designed to achieve BREEAM ‘very good’ accreditation and the best possible Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for its size.

The unit is scheduled to be ready for occupation by the third quarter of 2015 and has the potential to bring approximately 100 full-time jobs.

London Gateway combines one of Europe’s largest logistics parks with the UK’s most advanced deep-sea port – a gateway to the world, creating the ultimate in port-centric logistics.

Speaking of the new cargo handling centre, DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: “This is a highly significant milestone for both DP World London Gateway and London Gateway Logistics Park because it opens the doors for UK importers and exporters both large and small to shorten their supply chains and take advantage of the UK’s most modern port to bring their goods close to the major market of London and the South East. It also offers customers a catalyst for collaboration and improved asset utilisation, with occupiers sharing warehousing and transportation, saving costs whilst improving their own customer service with shorter replenishment cycles.”

Hamid Moghadam, Prologis Chairman and CEO, said: “With its multimodal connectivity and location close to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, the London Gateway Logistics Park represents the future of the logistics industry.

“Demand has been strong in this market and this property, which is next to the first deep-water port built in the UK for over a generation, will cater to customers who want efficient, state-of-the-art distribution facilities.”

Simon Moore, Chief Executive Officer, DP World London Gateway, said: “This joint venture development is very important. We are engaged in discussions with potential occupiers and we are seeing a high level of interest in the new facility.”

Following a rigorous selection process, DP World has appointed Import Services to act on its behalf as operator and manager at the distribution centre.

Peter Ward, DP World London Gateway’s Head of Supply Chain, said: “We are delighted to be working with Import Services. The company has demonstrated a common vision and real understanding of our mission as the UK’s new deep-water national hub port and logistics park.

We found the team to be tuned into our strategy and, combined with their expertise in the field of port-centric logistics, they put forward a very compelling plan.”

Southampton-based Import Services will initially take on a significant portion of the new development and provide a menu of logistics services and activities on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis. Services will range from basic devanning to cross-docking, storage and value-added activities such as pick-and-pack, labelling, pre-retail and distribution.

Industrial concrete flooring specialists Konfloor Ltd is responsible for the design, supply and construction of a suspended steel fibre reinforced concrete slab on the project.

Kevin O’Reilly from Konfloor Ltd, said:

“This is the first of many buildings due to be constructed within the London Gateway development, so it was very important to secure this contract to highlight our skills from the offset.”

London Gateway Logistics Park, located on the doorstep of Europe’s largest consumer market, enables exporters and importers to reduce costs, carbon emissions and increase efficiency and reliability. As demand for logistics and distribution facilities closer to market increases, coupled with a greater need for flexibility and agility in supply chain networks, the shared-user model on offer at London Gateway will provide a ‘best-fit’ solution.

 

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