The A38 corridor between Burton upon Trent and Lichfield is enjoying distribution fever, with over 1.5million sq ft of high quality units set to be available shortly it was revealed recently.

InStaffs, the inward investment agency for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, believes this latest news is further indication of the area’s growing popularity with domestic and international firms and, once occupied, could create in excess of 1500 jobs.

The facilities, which straddle the A38 corridor at Centrum 100, Centre 38, Wellington Road and Fradley Park, benefit from a wide variety of sizes and ‘arguably’ some of the best logistical links currently available in the UK.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Burton upon Trent and Lichfield to capitalise on widespread interest, creating thousands of jobs in the process,” explained John de Kanter, Chief Executive of InStaffs.

“The M6 Toll Road has had a major influence and improved access to the M6, A50, M42 and even the M1. This means that distribution companies - keen to reduce journey times - can be in Nottingham and Birmingham within 40 minutes, Stoke-on-Trent and the Black Country in 50 minutes and Derby in 20.”

He continued: “This is an ideal location and this has been reflected in the level of commitment from property developers, who continue to pour millions of pounds into new buildings.”

The biggest concentration of units is on Centrum 100 in Burton upon Trent with four facilities– ranging from the ex-Dunelm 100,000 sq ft building to the 460,000 sq ft Opus Axis – providing a total of 927,000 sq ft of space.

Elsewhere in the town, the 150,000 sq ft Cumulus building on Centre 38 is available, whilst Avro Business Park on Wellington Road will soon see a 300,000 sq ft unit under construction.

“Fradley Park in Lichfield has always been a magnet for distribution companies, with Hellman, Caterpillar Logistics and Amethyst already based on the scheme and Tesco soon to follow with its high-profile 710,000 sq ft distribution unit set to create close on 900 jobs.”

John added: “Another 460,000 sq ft warehouse has outline planning permission and, if previous experience is anything to go by, it may not be long until a pre-let is secured.”

In addition to the logistical benefits of the A38 corridor, potential investors are also being attracted by the area’s strong labour pools and attractive rental values for industrial properties, which are considerably lower than in the East Midlands and Birmingham.

It also boasts a strong pedigree of being able to act as a thriving hub for distribution businesses, who, once relocated here, have gone on to enjoy success and considerable expansion in a relatively short period of time.

John concluded: “The end result is that jobs will be created for local people and, increasingly, we are seeing higher-value positions added as a result of office/sales functions being based within these facilities.”

InStaffs is a partnership of Staffordshire Local Authorities and Chambers of Commerce providing a single point of contact for businesses wishing to move to, or expand within, the county of Staffordshire.

Return to InBurton.co.uk

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