Industry hub to see a jobs bonanza
Henry Boot unveils deal with pharma company
A MAJOR industrial development is set to create hundreds of jobs in Yorkshire as the economy starts to emerge from the pandemic.
Henry Boot has announced a significant deal at Wakefield Hub, which is one of the largest industrial developments in the North of England.
HBD, the group’s property development business, plans to deliver a 260,000 sq ft industrial unit on behalf of a German pharmaceutical company.
Subject to securing planning permission, work is expected to start on site in the second half of 2021 with the total GDV (gross development value) in excess of £30m.
Henry Boot said in a statement: “Spanning 200 acres, Wakefield Hub is a joint venture partnership with developer, Yorkcourt, and is an important scheme for both the city and the wider region.
“Injecting crucial inward investment, it has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs, supporting a thriving economy.
“One of the best locations for industrial and logistics operators in the North, the scheme offers unrivalled access to the M62, M1 and A1 and has seen strong interest from potential occupiers.”
The statement added: “Henry Boot continues to prudently seek out new opportunities to grow the group’s development pipeline which is focused on three longterm markets: industrial and logistics, residential, and urban development.”
Ed Hutchinson, the managing director of HBD, said: “This is the latest in a series of deals at Wakefield Hub, which has been very well received by the market.
“Planning applications are already in the system for a further 2.2m sq ft at the scheme and we look forward to announcing further deals in due course.”
In December, Henry Boot provided a boost for Yorkshire’s economy by acquiring two buildings with “massive” potential for redevelopment.
The company acquired 60,000 sq ft across two buildings in Mabgate, Leeds, which is a regeneration area in the heart of the city.
The area was recently named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the coolest places to live in the UK because of its thriving arts scene.
A number of creative companies are expected to establish operations in Leeds after Channel 4 decided to move to the city.
The Mabgate area became famous in the 19th century as an industrial centre. It has now become a popular place to live and work.