The phrase ‘good development’ is one that is heard frequently across the industrial and logistics sector, writes Ian Romano, Vice President, Head of Land & Development at Prologis UK.
Typically, ‘good development’ has been used to refer to delivering well-designed, high-quality buildings in connected locations that meet customer requirements. As the sector continues to evolve, however, we need to ask ourselves whether ‘good’ is still enough. The opportunity now is to redefine what good development looks like and establish a new benchmark for excellence across the industry.
Success in logistics development has long been measured by functional performance. Customers expect efficient, flexible facilities in strategic locations that support their operations and those fundamentals will always be essential. But exceptional development, however, won’t be defined solely by buildings that demonstrate functional efficiency. It should also be measured by the lasting value those developments create for customers, employees and the communities in which they are located.
Driving this shift will require a broader understanding of value creation in logistics development. Investment in design is no longer simply about aesthetics; it is about creating buildings, places and environments that can evolve alongside changing supply chains, emerging technologies and the evolving needs of businesses and the people who use them.
Attractive and Accessible
But value extends beyond the warehouse. It is equally about creating destinations where people want to work, and where surrounding communities experience tangible, lasting benefits. High-quality public realm, attractive landscaping, accessible green spaces and thoughtfully designed environments all contribute to developments that support customers, enhance employee wellbeing and integrate more successfully with local communities.
The continued evolution of the sector will also depend on placemaking becoming a core design principle rather than an afterthought. There is much the logistics industry can learn from the office, retail and leisure sectors, where creating environments that people actively want to spend time in has long been a core part of successful development. Maximising natural light, providing high-quality welfare facilities, incorporating attractive landscaping and creating welcoming and engaging public spaces should become standard features of our buildings and parks, rather than optional extras.
Designing great buildings and parks is not simply about improving aesthetics. It contributes directly to employee wellbeing, productivity and staff retention. As competition for talent intensifies, businesses increasingly recognise that the quality of the workplace environment is becoming a key differentiator.
Lasting Value
Accessibility is another area where our industry must continue to improve. Too often, employment opportunities are limited to those with access to a private vehicle. In doing so, businesses risk excluding large sections of the available workforce. Providing realistic alternatives through public transport, active travel infrastructure, car-sharing initiatives and better connectivity is not simply an environmental consideration – it is a commercial one. Access to a broader and more diverse labour pool strengthens customers’ ability to recruit, retain talent and grow.
The logistics sector has made significant progress over the past decade, but the next chapter will be defined by our willingness to continually raise standards. Excellence will not be achieved through one transformative innovation, but through incremental improvements; from better design and more adaptable buildings to stronger placemaking, enhanced amenities and improved accessibility.
If we embrace that mindset, continue to innovate and remain willing to learn from other sectors, we have an opportunity to redefine what ‘good development’ truly means. In doing so, we won’t simply deliver better logistics facilities, we will create places that generate lasting value for businesses, people and communities alike.