Gazeley, a subsidiary of Dubai-based Economic Zones World, has been granted the approval to build a distribution centre at G Park Swindon, a major distribution warehouse development on the M4 motorway in the UK.

The 796,649 sq ft distribution centre is being built for B&Q, British retailer of DIY and home improvement supplies and a subsidiary of Kingfisher Group.

The planned facility is estimated to have a completed value of nearly GBP70 million ($109.72 million), and will bring 600 jobs to the area once fully operational.

The strategically located regional hub benefits from an excellent local transport network and will service stores in the south of the UK. The geographic position will help the site meet the needs of retail customers by ensuring products are made available in stores in a timely and efficient manner.

G Park Swindon will include a number of eco measures such as the harvesting and re-use of rainwater collected from the roof of the building and solar panels to heat the water.

A solar wall will use renewable energy to heat and ventilate the building. The development will include substantial areas of new habitat around the building with the planting of about 500 new trees.

“Gazeley is delighted with Swindon Borough Council’s decision to approve the planning application,” said Nigel Godfrey, senior vice president of Gazeley UK.

“We look forward to starting on site in the autumn and will complete the facility by next summer. As well as reducing the environmental impact of the development, Gazeley has sought to ensure that the building will deliver significant annual operating cost savings for B&Q through reduced energy consumption,” he added.

Under an existing legal agreement attached to the outline planning permission, Gazeley will make a contribution of GBP150,000 for the provision of public art and GBP700,000 to be invested in Swindon’s Great Western Community Forest. – TradeArabia News Service