The UK logistics and warehousing market is entering a new phase, with a sharp slowdown in speculative development following higher construction costs and tighter financing conditions. While overall availability has increased due to a rise in second-hand space, the supply of modern Grade A logistics facilities—particularly large-scale speculative units—continues to tighten. Recent market data shows speculative starts are at their lowest level in almost a decade, with occupier demand remaining firmly focused on high-quality, energy-efficient warehouses in strategically connected locations, particularly across the UK’s established logistics corridors.
Mountpark has secured planning consent for its largest speculative logistics development in the UK, Unit 3, a landmark 640,000 sq ft XL unit at Mountpark Ferrybridge in Yorkshire.
The commitment reflects the developer’s confidence in the UK big-box logistics market and responds directly to the continued shortage of speculative development supply. It also marks the next significant step in the transformation of the former Coal Yard at Ferrybridge Power Station into a major infrastructure and logistics hub.
Over 50 per cent of Mountpark Ferrybridge has now been pre-let / pre-sold following a 65,800 sq ft pre-let to Warburtons and the disposal of a further 40 acres to a data centre developer. Unit 1, a 40,000 sq ft speculative unit is also under offer and due to complete later this year.
Brett Huxley, Development Director for Mountpark UK & Ireland, said,
The decision to develop Unit 3 at Mountpark Ferrybridge, our largest ever speculative development at 640,000 sq ft, reflects not only our commitment to the UK logistics market and the tightening development supply line, but also to delivering new life to this iconic Yorkshire site. Ferrybridge benefits from a number of fundamentals occupiers are prioritising: certainty of delivery, power, connectivity to the national strategic road network and an established labour pool. It is ideally placed to support the continued growth of the North’s infrastructure economy and we have every confidence that it will become one of the UK’s leading logistics hubs.
Infrastructure and on-plot enabling works for the XL facility (Unit 3) are well progressed and due to complete in August 2026. Mountpark will then commence the immediate vertical build of the facility in September with practical completion anticipated in Q4 2027. The property will deliver best-in-class warehouse accommodation including 21 metre clear internal eaves, two 50 metre service yards and Grade A headquarter-style office space. The building can also offer up to 13MVA of power supply to occupiers with energy intensive requirements targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification and EPC A+. Mountpark Ferrybridge also has the ability to connect into rail to assist their decarbonization strategies.
Located at the intersection of the M62 and A1(M), Mountpark Ferrybridge offers strategic motorway connectivity alongside access to critical power infrastructure. It offers a prime location for major logistics operations, infrastructure, advanced industrial occupiers and large-scale investment in one of the UK’s most connected freight corridors.
