With logistics, e-commerce and supply chain companies at the forefront of industrial take-up, Horizon38 in Bristol, advised by Avison Young, has welcomed leading e-commerce, mail and pallet specialist The Delivery Group as its latest occupier.

Taking 52,500 sq ft of space for its new £8million processing hub, The Delivery Group will be adding 30% capacity to its network to meet its rapidly growing demands, processing and sorting mail ready for delivery into Royal Mail processing points across the South, South West and Midlands. The new centre is expected to generate between 60 and 70 new jobs.

One of the largest speculative commercial developments ever seen in the region, Horizon 38, developed by MSF Filton, is a joint venture between St Francis Group and Isec, funded by Ropemaker. The scheme is located alongside the A38 in Filton, and benefits from excellent transport links to both Bristol city centre and the national motorway network, making it an ideal location for urban logistics and last mile delivery.

The Delivery Group is located in unit G8 at Horizon38, one of the larger speculative industrial and warehouse units within phase A of the mixed-use business park. The self-contained detached unit has a 40m deep yard, and four dock level doors and four level entry loading doors, as well as 2,500 sq ft of office space.

Horizon 38 was borne out of a complete lack of standing stock throughout the region following a rapid take-up in logistics space in recent years. The scheme sits within the Filton Enterprise Area, and combines industrial and distribution buildings totalling 580,000 sq ft with a further 25 acres of mixed employment space.

According to Paul Hobbs of Avison Young, who acts on behalf of MSF Filton, this most recent letting continues to underline both the demand for high-spec new build warehousing in the region, as well as the strength of the city for inward investment.

He says, “Horizon38 has been a strong success story for South Gloucestershire. Built on the site of the former Rolls Royce East Works, and with six acres left for further development, this is one of the last parcels of land for industrial and warehouse in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire. With logistics, e-commerce and supply chain companies at the forefront of industrial take-up, rents have been pushed to £8psf, and space such as that at Horizon38 is in big demand. Furthermore, with the MetroBus planned to run through Horizon38, this is a location ideally suited for employment.”

Henry de Teissier of JLL’s Bristol office said “It’s great to welcome The Delivery Group to Horizon 38, in what is one of the largest lettings in the Bristol market this year. It’s testament to the high quality specification and excellent location of the business park. Despite a time of economic uncertainty, the logistics and distribution sector continues to perform well and with increasing demand from ecommerce and supply chain occupiers, we expect the trend to continue.”

JLL and Avison Young are joint letting agents on the scheme.

Bowcliffe Property Consultants acted for the Delivery Group.