Tritax Big Box REIT’s development arm Tritax Symmetry has secured planning consent for a 60,000 sq ft parcel distribution facility for DPD, which will be built with net zero carbon in construction.
The distribution hub, at Symmetry Park in Bicester, Oxfordshire, will be constructed to standards in line with the UK Green Building Council’s framework. The scheme was given the nod by Cherwell District Council.
DPD will relocate its existing Bicester-based operation. Once fully operational, the facility will create up to 250 new jobs.
DPD aims to become the “greenest delivery company in the UK”. It has more than 600 electric vehicles, representing 10% of its fleet.
Tom Leeming, development director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “DPD’s commitment to become the UK’s most sustainable delivery company is aligned to our own sustainability policy.
“As a business, we are factoring in environmental considerations into every aspect of our development plans, from electric vehicle charging facilities and energy centres to photo voltaic generation and other energy saving initiatives.”
Louise Ferguson, general manager for property at DPD, said: “Our new Bicester distribution centre will be a state of the art, purpose-built facility.
“This investment will allow us to expand our existing operation to meet the growing demand for our services, create a significant number of new jobs and give us space to carry on growing for a number of years.”
Savills and DTRE are the joint letting agents at Symmetry Park.
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