GMI to build landmark logistics hub

GMI Construction Group Ltd has been awarded the contract to build a 400,000 sq ft warehousing and logistics hub on the former Pilkington Automotive and GKN Aerospace sites at King’s Norton, Birmingham.Developed by Tristan Capital Partners and Canmoor, in partnership with regeneration specialist St Francis Group, the £32.9m Urban 8 Logistics Park will feature eight energy efficient units which range from 25,000 sq ft to 70,000 sq ft.All aim to achieve a BREEM Excellent rating, and the project features a variety of sustainable measures including LED lighting, more than 300,00kWh/annum of PV power generation, electric vehicle charging and energy saving infrastructure.The speculative development, which could create 900 jobs, will add to Tristan and Canmoor’s a I&L portfolio.Gareth Jones, GMI’s divisional managing director, Midlands, said: “We are pleased to have been appointed principal contractor for this high-profile scheme, one that will support investment and create jobs by providing much-needed logistics and manufacturing space.”GMI has a proven track record of delivering large, high specification industrial units across the Midlands, and we look forward to delivering another high-quality development that will meet market demand.”In 2019 GKN Aerospace announced the phased closure of its King’s Norton Factory, which produced windscreens and windows for civilian and military aircraft, with work transferring to other sites. Pilkington Automotive consolidated its operations into a larger warehouse in nearby Redditch.In February 2021, Birmingham City Council granted full planning permission and the site was cleared in readiness for the multi-unit industrial logistics development.Ben Reaney, project development lead at St Francis Group, added: “This warehousing and logistics hub is already keenly anticipated due to its prime location and mix of mid box units.