A multi-disciplinary team at Trowers & Hamlins has advised Griffen UK on the sale of two high-specification distribution units and significant development land at Griffen Park, Desford, Leicester.
The deal ranks among the largest industrial investment transactions in the East Midlands this year, underscoring continued demand across the Golden Triangle.
The purchaser, another client of the firm, was JINGDONG Property, a leading infrastructure investment and asset management company and part of JD.com, Inc. The acquisition comprised:
- Two best-in-class logistics facilities totalling 231,727 sq ft
- Two development plots extending to 27.21 acres
Opportunities of this calibre, configuration and scale remain scarce in a region where prime supply is at historic lows.
The assets
- Unit 1 (128,048 sq ft) is let to Caterpillar (UK) until July 2033, supporting operations at its adjoining manufacturing plant
- Unit 2 (103,679 sq ft) was sold with vacant possession
Both buildings achieve EPC A ratings and BREEAM Excellent certification.
The development land benefits from detailed planning consent capable of delivering up to 677,928 sq ft of Grade A logistics accommodation, including the potential for a single 508,050 sq ft unit, one of the largest immediately deliverable industrial footprints in Leicestershire.
The corporate elements of the transaction was led by Nick Harrisingh with Dwynwen Lewis leading all real estate matters.
Dwynwen Lewis, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Trowers & Hamlins commented:
“We are delighted to have supported Griffen UK across the full lifecycle of this asset. Since the acquisition in May 2020, our team has advised on all real estate matters, from letting and planning to strategic project support, culminating in this successful disposal. Balancing an income-producing building with major development land brought a number of moving parts, and it was great to help steer the transaction through to a smooth completion.”
Bruce Bailey, Chief Investment Officer at Griffen UK, added:
"Trowers’ involvement throughout the entire lifecycle of this asset has been invaluable. Teams across the firm provided dedicated, coordinated support, which was instrumental in achieving a successful sale."
Lambert Smith Hampton (Alex Carr) advised Griffen UK on all investment agency matters.
The Trowers team was led by Partners Nick Harrisingh and Dwynwen Lewis, with support from Joe Hawthorne and Laura Smith (Real Estate), Will Barakat and Daniel Dong (Corporate), Rory Stracey and Jasmin Andrews (Planning), and Andrew Sneddon, Nathan Williams and Anna Shemeld (Tax).
