Northminster properties makes first-class delivery for DPD with new £10m distribution centre
FIRST CLASS DELIVERY: Pictured (L to R) outside the new DPD distribution depot at Northminster Business Park, York, are: depot manager, Sam Harland; Northminster Properties Ltd managing director, George Burgess; Northminster Properties Ltd development surveyor, Alastair Gill; distribution centre manager, Sara Bonner; LHL Group director, Daniel Bower; Lindum York managing director, James Nellist and Guest Walker director, Deborah Barton.
Leading parcel delivery company, DPD, has relocated to a purpose-built distribution depot in York, developed by Northminster Properties Limited, which is set to create 125 new jobs.
Main contractor, Lindum, York, started work on the 6.9-acre site at Northminster Business Park on January 4 for site owner, award-wining development company, Northminster Properties Ltd, York, and has completed the 59,250 sq ft distribution facility on time and within budget.
Lindum had to work to a very tight deadline and combatted sluggish post Covid-19 lockdown supply chains by ordering materials long before they were required and agreeing storage with another occupier of the business park until materials were needed.
DPD sought a new distribution centre after outgrowing its previous Clifton Moor premises and has relocated with 81 jobs but plans to expand to meet growing demand for online shopping.
Construction of the £10m facility, that features the latest conveying and sortation technology, was funded by RTP Real Estate’s UK property fund, which commits capital to investment in sustainable, income-producing assets across the UK and enabled DPD to agree to relocate to Northminster Business Park with a pre-let.
The 41 by 117 metre depot features 30 level-access loading doors and 11 dock-level loading doors with space for 15 HGVs, 145 vans and 165 cars, including seven for disabled drivers, and 44 secure bicycle spaces.
As well as serving York city centre, the new facility will cover an area bordered by Northallerton, Scarborough, Hull, Selby and Wetherby.
DPDgroup UK, head of property, Louise Ferguson, says: “Northminster assembled a first-rate team that has worked hard for a speedy completion, and we are delighted to move the team into a much bigger facility.
“Northminster Business Park is a great location for us, providing fast access to the city centre and all our main routes. The new site also means that we can expand the operation in York to meet the growing demand for DPD deliveries and carry on providing a fantastic service for both our shippers and parcel recipients.”
Managing partner of RTP RE, Lana Lomovtseva, says: “We are proud to have successfully partnered with Northminster and DPD to deliver a highly efficient and sustainable distribution facility which will benefit the local community and businesses and help create new jobs in York. We acknowledge the professionalism of the development team who delivered the scheme on time and within budget despite supply chain challenges.”
Northminster Properties managing director, George Burgess, says: “Lindum has done a fantastic job in managing complex supply chain issues and completing on schedule, overseen by our property consultants, LHL Group, York, which we were pleased to work alongside again.
“We are delighted to have worked with DPD, RTP RE York Ltd, and our wider team to complete such a prestigious development, enhance York as a business centre and contribute to cleaner air for local people and visitors.”
Commercial property solicitor, Deborah Barton, a director at Guest Walker, York, advised Northminster Properties throughout the project, including buying the land, the DPD lease, construction documents, and the forward funding agreement with RTP Real Estate.
Other members of the Northminster team were HTC Architects, Leeds; Topping Engineers, Harrogate and mechanical and electrical services consultants, RBS Design. Commercial agents Almscliffe, Cushman Wakefield and Gent Visick, all of Leeds, acted for Northminster Properties while sbh, Hertford acted for DPD.