Plans approved for up to 2.5 million sq ft of industrial space at Gateshead site

Highgrove Group has received full planning approval for the development of up to 2.5 million sq. ft of new, high bay distribution/industrial accommodation at a site in Gateshead.

Located immediately south of the Follingsby Park Industrial development, the new site is to known as ‘Follingsby Max’.

Site infrastructure and enabling’s works have already started and expected to run for six months with fully serviced plots to be ready for development by the end of the year.

The development is situated directly off the A194(M) giving access to the A1(M), the A19 and north with good access to Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside.

The site also offers Grade A specification B2 or B8 use units in a range of sizes from 200,000 sq. ft up to 2,500,000 sq. ft.

The specification includes up to 28 metre eaves height allowing for high-bay distribution, storage uses together with 24/7 access.

The site sits within the North East Enterprise Zone – a key strategic business employment zone to support economic growth by providing tax breaks and a range of interventions to help businesses startup, grow and expand.

Cllr Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Follingsby Park serves as the North East’s stand-out logistics and distribution park and a much sought after and successful development.

“The announcement by Highgrove to develop the land immediately south of the existing development is fantastic news. It will play a key part in supporting the region’s economic growth strategy and cement its reputation as the premier distribution park in the North East.

“We have supported Highgrove through the planning and preconstruction process in order to bring the site forward and enable the necessary infrastructure to begin development. We look forward to working in partnership with Highgrove to attracting potential occupiers to Follingsby Max.”

Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East LEP, added: “As part of our commitment to deliver more and better jobs throughout the North East, the further development of Follingsby Park and Follingsby Max offers significant job creation opportunities on one of the North East’s strategic Enterprise Zone sites”.

David Price, operations director of Highgrove, also commented: “Follingsby Max offers a key strategic location for business with exceptional transport connections. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Gateshead Council and the North East LEP to bring this scheme forward and the considerable development opportunities it presents.

“We are already seeing significant interest in the development from a variety of potential end-users, including online retailers, manufacturers, distribution/logistics and automotive companies and look forward to making further positive announcements soon”.

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