Harworth Group plc (HWG), a prominent land and property regeneration company focused on sustainable development, has announced a significant milestone. The North Yorkshire Council's Strategic Planning Committee has granted a resolution to approve planning permission for Harworth's ambitious development of a rail-connected industrial and logistics hub at the 185-acre Gascoigne Interchange site in Leeds.
Development Plans
The approved project will see the creation of up to 1.5 million square feet of industrial and logistics space. This development aligns with Harworth's strategic goal to enhance its direct development capabilities from its extensive landbank. The proposal includes seven units, ranging in size from 57,000 square feet to 1 million square feet, all constructed to Grade A specifications. The project is expected to commence on-site in 2025 and has the potential to deliver a gross development value (GDV) of up to £190 million.
Strategic Location
The Gascoigne Interchange site, a brownfield location, is positioned in Selby, east of Leeds, adjacent to the Sherburn Industrial Estate. This site is one of Harworth's next-generation development sites and boasts a strategic position with direct rail connectivity. The existing main line rail connection allows future occupiers to leverage rail transport for a variety of uses, including low-carbon freight movement.
Rail Connectivity and Infrastructure
The site benefits from extensive rail sidings on both sides of Network Rail's Leeds to Hull main line route, with current operational connections into the northern and southern plots of the site. The rail access to the north of the site provides an opportunity to create a dedicated railhead, capable of handling containers, bulk commodities, or next-generation express freight services. This connectivity places most of the UK within three hours of the site, enhancing its logistical appeal.
Impact and Future Prospects
This development is set to transform the Gascoigne Interchange into a major industrial and logistics hub, bolstering the region's infrastructure and economic potential. The project's alignment with sustainable development principles and its strategic rail connectivity underscore its significance in supporting low-carbon logistics solutions.
Harworth Group's Vision
The successful planning approval marks a pivotal step in Harworth's broader strategy to develop its landbank for industrial and logistics purposes. By enhancing its direct development capabilities, Harworth aims to deliver high-quality, strategically located industrial spaces that meet modern logistical demands.