APTUS, a new industrial and logistics (I&L) development being delivered by HB Barnfield, a JV between HBD and Barnfield Group, has officially launched in Preston.
Occupiers, agents and industry stakeholders gathered at the 40-acre site to mark the milestone and see first-hand the progress being made at the development, which is strategically located close to Junction 31A of the M6.
The launch comes as construction activity continues across the site. Infrastructure works have been completed, opening up the entire development, and work is well underway on phase one, with a 145,000sq ft manufacturing facility being developed by Kerakoll. Origin, a JV between HBD and Feldberg Capital, is on site with phase two, delivering three units totaling 107,000sq ft, two of which are already under offer.
Around 500,000sq ft of sustainable I&L space remains at the development, which is able to accommodate a single unit up to 455,000sq ft. Once complete, APTUS will provide a total of 790,000sq ft and is expected to create as many as 1,500 new jobs.
Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “The launch of APTUS marks a significant milestone for what is set to become one of Lancashire’s premier industrial and logistics destinations. Bringing together occupiers, agents and partners on site gave us the opportunity to showcase the progress that has already been made and the scale of the opportunity available. With infrastructure complete, development underway and strong early interest from the market, we’re seeing real momentum build at APTUS.
“We are pleased to be bringing forward another development that will support investment, jobs and economic growth across the region.”
Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Development and Acquisition at Barnfield Group, said: “The launch event was a great opportunity to showcase the progress being made on site and the quality of the development that is taking shape. As construction continues, we look forward to seeing the development support new jobs, investment and opportunities for businesses across the region.”
The agents for APTUS are Newmark, Eckersley and Young & Co.