Partners Group and Citivale underway with their ESG-led industrial development, Greenbox Darlington

Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, acting on behalf of its clients, and Citivale, a UK specialist logistics developer and operator, are progressing at pace with the construction of Greenbox Darlington, with established real estate agencies Savills and HTA Real Estate leading on the leasing efforts.

Greenbox Darlington, an ESG-led development will provide three state-of-the-art, Grade A industrial and warehouse units spanning 402,150 sq ft (37,361 sq m) on a 24-acre site, delivered ready for occupation in December 2024.

The three units offer market leading specifications, including 12.5 - 15m haunch heights, 50m yard depths, 50Kn / sq m floor loading, 3.5MVA power capacity, a mix of ground level and dock loading doors and high-quality office space.

The development is being delivered under the Greenbox brand, which combines Partners Group’s extensive, international experience in the industrial and supply chain sectors with Citivale’s deep UK logistics expertise to deliver sustainable assets in strategic locations.

In line with Greenbox’s ESG commitments, Greenbox Darlington will target an EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and will also aim to achieve units that are Net Carbon Zero in Operation, setting new standards in eco-friendly development.

The roofs will be 100% photovoltaic panel ready, 10% of parking spaces will be for electric cars (future-proofed for all spaces), and CAT-A fitted office space is proposed with LED lighting and air-source heat pumps. Bespoke units, built to individual occupiers’ specific requirements, can also be accommodated.

Greenbox Darlington is located close to the A66, close to three junctions on the A1(M) and offers unparalleled last-mile access to the major urban hubs of the North East, as well as key transport links including Teesport, Hartlepool Port, Port of Sunderland and Port of Tyne and Teeside International Airport. The area’s industrial and manufacturing prowess is exemplified by local giants such as British Steel, Cummins Engines, and Nobia (Magnet Kitchens), with e-commerce giants Amazon also situated adjacent to the site.

Construction of all three units is well advanced and is on schedule for completion in December 2024. Winvic, the UK’s leading industrial and Net Zero specialist in the sector is the main contractor for the scheme.  An onsite camera streams live progress of the build, and can be accessed by visiting www.greenbox-darlington.co.uk, where there is also more information on Greenbox Darlington and its commitment to sustainable logistics development for the North East.

Agents from across the region were recently invited to site to see the progress for themselves and were briefed on the scheme by Alex Reynolds, Citivale’s Development Director, saying: “We are thrilled to have launched Greenbox Darlington and be progressing with the build so well. This strategic and visible location is perfect for nationwide distribution as well as last-mile delivery.  We’re providing top-tier, sustainable space in a market that desperately needs it. Partnering with Winvic for construction and Savills and HTA Real Estate for leasing ensures we’re set up for success.”

Richard Scott, Savills’ Director of North East Industrial & Logistics, echoes this sentiment: “Savills are delighted to have been appointed as joint agents on this best in class scheme. Speculative development has been scarce in the North East recently and we look forward to working with Citivale and Partners Group to deliver occupiers.”

Nick Atkinson, Director of HTA Real Estate, adds: “Darlington and Tees Valley is desperately in need of new high specification industrial development to compete with other regions and attract high quality employment to the North East. HTA Real Estate is looking forward to working with these potential occupiers as joint agent on this exciting development.”

Greenbox Darlington follows on from the platform’s debut acquisition, Greenbox Thirsk (www.greenbox-thirsk.co.uk); a development in North Yorkshire  with outline consent for the whole, proposing three new industrial / warehouse units delivering to the same sustainability standards and totalling 825,000 sq ft (76,645 sq m).