June 2, 2023
Groundworks have started on site at Opus 49, a new Grade A logistics development in Avonmouth, Bristol. Fiera Real Estate and Opus Land’s business plan is to progress the development of 500,000 sqft of logistics space across three units ranging from 100,000 sq ft to 250,000 sq ft. The property benefits from a broad planning consent dating back to the 1950s which enables delivery without the usual planning risks and potential delays. The consent provides flexibility with regards to scheme configuration and, as such, a wide range of occupier requirements can be accommodated on site. Both leasehold and freehold interest will be considered.
The 50-acre site was purchased by Opus Land with funding from Fiera Real Estate Opportunity Fund V UK, in April 2022, after initial interest beginning at the end of 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site represents the final phase of Avonmouth’s Central Park, a 6 million sq. ft logistics park in the Southwest which sits adjacent to the A403, less than one mile from the new Junction 1 access of the M49. The location also is in close proximity to Avonmouth Docks and DB Rail Freight, providing exceptional connectivity for potential occupiers. Central Park is already home to corporate giants including Amazon, Lidl and The Range.
The development has already attracted much interest from several logistics and manufacturing occupiers, with strong interest also from the green energy sector which is in line with Opus 49’s ESG initiatives. As with all of Opus Land’s schemes, Opus 49 has sustainability at the heart of its design. The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, which will be achieved through the incorporation of water-saving and renewable energy technologies, such as roof-mounted PV panels and electric car charging points. During construction, the scheme will promote the use of locally sourced goods and low-emitting carbon materials, as well as ensuring that the contractors are part of the Considerate Contractor Scheme.
John Griffiths, leading the project for Opus Land, commented; “This is the first logistics scheme for Opus Land in the Southwest and for it to be of scale and within such a prime location is incredibly exciting for us. We are thrilled to finally be onsite and working with occupiers and their advisors to deliver the quality of buildings for which we have become renowned across the Midlands.”
The agents on the scheme are JLL and Savills with architect UMC.