Henry Boot PLC has completed construction enabling works at its 21-ha Airport Business Park Scheme (ABPS), which is located in a prime distribution area of Southend. ABPS is a £90m GDV joint venture between the Group’s development business, HBD, and Southend-on-Sea Council. The scheme is set to create 3,500 jobs in the area.
Completion of the enabling works presents further development opportunities in the Group’s £1.4bn development pipeline. The Group has secured outline planning permission for 1 million sq. ft. of flexible business space at the site, further adding to Henry Boot’s industrial offering, which currently makes up approximately 74% of the development pipeline. The continued delivery and replenishment of the £1.4bn development pipeline will play a key role in keeping the Group in a strong position
In July ABPS secured its first occupier, IPECO Holdings, which took possession of a purpose-built building to be utilised in its manufacturing of seating for aircraft crews. With the enabling works complete, the Group is able deliver up to 52,500 sq. ft. buildings within an efficient 12-15-month timeframe and will now turn its focus on securing more occupiers.
Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD said: “ABPS is a significant development both for Henry Boot and Southend, creating valuable industrial and logistic space and employment in the area. Work is continuing to progress quickly on site, and we look forward to securing further tenants and submitting planning for further aspects of the scheme in the coming weeks.”
