Construction gets underway on 51,000 sq ft speculative unit at Mercia Park

A new 51,000 square foot speculative unit will be constructed at IM Properties’ Mercia Park project, Junction 11, M42 and will be completed in the third quarter of 2023.

Mercia 51 targets a wide range of logistics providers and manufacturers in NW Leicestershire and sits alongside some of the Midlands leading companies including Jaguar Land Rover and DSV.

Sustainability is at the heart of the state-of-the-art logistics destination. IM Properties have worked with the main contractor, Winvic Construction Ltd, to achieve net zero construction work across the site including the buildings recently erected for Jaguar Land Rover.

Mercia 51 will also be Net Zero Ready and aim for BREEAM Excellent, an EPC A rating, and as part of its sustainable transport strategy will have 10 active EV charging slots, with passive infrastructure for an additional 40 and storage for up to 12 cycles.

Harry Goodman, head of development at IM Properties, said creating future-proof, highly specialized warehouses is no longer just about the construction, it’s about the environment in which they are located.

“Companies are becoming increasingly responsible for their commitment to a sustainable future and the logistics industry is more focused than ever on transparency around their operations.

“This is not only driven by societal changes, but also by companies, their customers and their supply chain, who have their own goals and ambitions.

“Mercia Park represents our ridge in the sand as it is the first of our large-scale development programs to achieve net zero in construction. Mercia 51 raises the bar even higher to also be Net Zero Ready. This means that the building is optimized in such a way that the user can achieve Net Zero in operation.”

Goodman added: “Mercia 51 is being built to a specification level that fits within the framework of our sustainable future and is consistent with Green Building Council (UKGBC) recommendations.

“Mercia Park has already contributed to many local grassroots projects through a community fund of £350,000 and our contractor, Winvic Construction Ltd, has partnered with us to promote employment and skills and create an on-site training centre, sustainability and innovation centre .”

The well-being of people and employees is also part of IM Properties’ commitment to the program. Mercia 51 will be set amidst 12 hectares of forest and 4km of recreational trails in Mercia Park, giving future residents access to green outdoor spaces, bike lanes and walkways.

Goodman continues, “Mercia 51 offers the modern resident the complete package. The strength of the site and its connectivity reflects the companies already operating within the program.

“The added layer of sustainability and social responsibility creates a narrative around Mercia Park that is equally appealing to users.

“We realized that this is no longer an aspiration but a priority for sustainability if we are all to remain relevant in today’s world.”