Panattoni Breaks Ground on UK’s Largest Speculative Logistics Facility at Swindon
June 2, 2025 – Panattoni, Europe’s leading industrial and logistics real estate developer, has commenced construction on the UK’s largest speculative logistics facility, a 91,500 sq m unit at Panattoni Park Swindon. This milestone project sets a new benchmark in the UK logistics sector and reflects Panattoni’s strategic confidence in speculative development amid strong market demand.
Transforming a Historic Site into a Logistics Hub
Situated on the 360-acre site of the former Honda manufacturing plant, Panattoni Park Swindon is poised to become a premier logistics and industrial hub. The masterplan envisions delivering 720,000 sq m of modern, high-specification space designed to meet the evolving needs of logistics and manufacturing businesses.
The first phase includes the newly announced 91,500 sq m warehouse alongside a second 54,500 sq m facility currently under construction. Together, this £300 million investment supported by US capital signals strong international confidence in the UK’s logistics market and its long-term growth potential.
Economic Impact and Strategic Location
Upon completion, the overall development is projected to represent an investment of approximately £900 million and is expected to contribute over £1.2 billion to the UK economy across the next decade. It will also create up to 7,000 jobs onsite, highlighting its significant socio-economic impact.
Panattoni Park Swindon benefits from a strategic location just eight minutes from Junction 15 of the M4 motorway, offering unrivalled connectivity to approximately 70% of the UK population within a 4.5-hour drive. This prime positioning enhances its appeal for occupiers seeking rapid and efficient nationwide distribution capabilities.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to Logistics Development
Panattoni’s approach emphasizes delivering high-quality space ahead of tenant demand. James Watson, Head of Development – Southern England & London at Panattoni UK, commented:
“Following the successful leasing of Panattoni Park Avonmouth, the largest speculative warehouse ever developed in the UK, we are proud to commence construction on an even larger facility at Swindon. Panattoni Park Swindon exemplifies our development model: scale, location, power infrastructure, and quality, delivered proactively to meet market needs.”
Building for the Future: Sustainability and Specification
Vertical construction on the 91,500 sq m unit is scheduled to begin in June 2025. The facility is designed with industry-leading features tailored for high-volume logistics and manufacturing operations, including a 21-metre clear internal height and a cross-docked service yard exceeding 90 metres in length.
Environmental sustainability is central to the project, with the building targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and an EPC A energy performance certification. These credentials reflect Panattoni’s commitment to integrating ESG principles into their developments and addressing increasing tenant and regulatory demand for sustainable logistics infrastructure.
Opportunities for Future Expansion
The development also includes a plot with detailed planning permission for the UK’s largest single-unit warehouse at 120,000 sq m. Available on a pre-let basis, this facility can be delivered within 10 months, offering a rare and flexible solution for large occupiers.
Conclusion
Panattoni Park Swindon represents a landmark investment in the UK’s logistics real estate market. By combining scale, strategic location, and sustainability, it stands to significantly influence the future of supply chain infrastructure, supporting economic growth and job creation while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.
