First phase of SPARK in Walsall fully let after two major occupiers secured

Origin has fully let the first phase of SPARK in Walsall after securing two major occupiers.

Relay Tech has taken a 250,000 sq ft unit at the scheme to support the expansion of its UK delivery network, while one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers has leased an 18,300 sq ft unit as it grows its engineering and infrastructure hubs.

The lettings mean all space within the first phase of the development is now occupied.

SPARK is part of Origin, the industrial and logistics investment platform established by HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Feldberg Capital, combining HBD’s development expertise with Feldberg’s investment, capital-raising and asset management capabilities.

The 44-acre site was transformed by HBD in partnership with Walsall Council, breathing new life into one of the region’s most prominent brownfield sites. It has been designed to the highest environmental standards, targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings.

The wider development will deliver a total of 370,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space across five units and is expected to create up to 1,100 jobs.

The SPARK lettings form part of a series of recent deals across Origin's portfolio. Alongside the deals in Walsall, Virgin Wines will occupy 82,000 sq ft at APTUS in Preston, while a manufacturing business has pre-let a 53,800 sq ft unit at ARK, Derbyshire. Together, the transactions mean 66 per cent of Origin's current 711,000 sq ft portfolio is now either let or under offer.

Ed Hutchinson, CEO at Henry Boot, said: “Securing these significant lettings reflects both the quality of the Origin portfolio and the depth of occupier demand for modern, sustainable industrial and logistics space in well-connected locations.

“Each deal has set new headline rents in its respective location and further supports our confidence in the portfolio's income and capital growth potential as we continue to deliver projects aligned with the needs of leading occupiers.”

Jamie Acheson, managing director at Feldberg Capital, added: "These lettings provide further evidence of the strength of occupier demand for high-quality mid-box logistics space in strategic UK locations. The pace of leasing activity across the portfolio reinforces our conviction in the sector and demonstrates the value of Origin's development-led approach.

“As we continue to grow the platform, we remain focused on creating assets that align with occupier requirements while delivering attractive opportunities for investors."

Planning permission has already been secured for the second phase of SPARK, which will deliver a further 101,000 sq ft across three units.