Construction work has officially started on a major new base in Leicestershire for laboratory and medical equipment supplier, Sarstedt Limited. The facility, at Optimus Point, was officially granted planning permission in the summer following the appointment of International property and construction consultancy Gleeds by Wilson Bowden Developments Ltd. Gleeds acts as the employer’s agent and project manager.
The new distribution centre will be located on 5.3 acres of land at Plot 10 Optimus Point, Glenfield and requires the construction of a 61,640 square foot unit including ancillary two-storey offices and core facilities. Other requirements of the site include associated external parking, a service yard, and landscaped areas.
The facility is the latest addition to Optimus Point, an established 65-acre development scheme that sits next to Junction 21a of the M1, featuring a range of local and national industrial warehouse operators.
Sarstedt Limited is currently based in Beaumont Leys however a bigger site in order to expand. Construction is already underway and is expected to take 36-weeks, with anticipated completion date of 1 May 2020.
Cat Hartley, Group Manager for Planning and Economic Development, Blaby District Council, said: “Sarstedt’s move to Optimus Point will deliver significant and permanent economic benefits to the District of Blaby. Up to 60 jobs will be retained locally. They join other businesses at Optimus Point who have relocated or become new members of our thriving business community, making the District of Blaby a great place to live, work and visit.”
Anthony Cork, Director, Gleeds, commented, “This prime industrial and logistics space offers significant potential to satisfy occupier demand in a strategic location. There is no doubt that this new base will help Sarstedt improve its storage, logistics, and distribution with enhanced and modernised facilities, and it’s great to be starting on site.” He went on to add. “Through our appointment as Employers Agent, we will look to use our significant skills in this sector to deliver a successful project for all parties.”
Henry Henson, Development Manager at Wilson Bowden said, “We are pleased that another local Leicestershire based company has decided to relocate to our Optimus Point development site, following in the footsteps of DPD, Boden, Everards, James Latham and Geary’s Bakeries. These deals demonstrate that there has been extensive pent up demand by local occupiers, looking for high quality industrial/ warehouse accommodation within the local area and Optimus Point offers them this ideal opportunity.”
Working closely with Sarstedt Limited and developing their detailed design from the outset has enabled the project team to offer a complete design and build solution that satisfies Sarstedt Limited’s ambitions for future growth.
Developers: Wilson Bowden Developments Ltd
Principal contractor: Winvic Construction Limited
Architect: Stephen George + Partners LLP