Yorkshire Counties We spoke to Dan Burn, Head of Development, for Panattoni in the North West and Yorkshire
Yorkshire has become its own warehouse hub outside the ‘Golden Triangle’, with South Yorkshire’s central location giving it particular traction as a logistics hotspot. How is Panattoni capitalising on this?
Yorkshire has been one of the UK’s key logistics clusters for a number of years, employing over 60,000 people across the region.
South Yorkshire, in particular, benefits from its central location, exceptional transport links, access to the East Coast ports and a skilled work- force, making it a prime choice for industrial and logistics operators.
At Panattoni, we have strategically positioned our developments across the region —from Panattoni Park Rotherham, Panattoni Wakefield 515, Panattoni Doncaster 420, to our latest Panattoni Park Central A1(M)—to meet this increasing demand.
These sites offer Grade-A, high-specification facil- ities catering to occupiers seeking national and last-mile distribution capabilities. Our investment in South Yorkshire reflects the region’s growing status as a logistics powerhouse, helping busi- nesses optimise their supply chains and bene- fiting from competitive rents compared to the ‘Golden Triangle’.
Panattoni Park Central A1(M) is touted as one of the largest speculative industrial projects in the UK. What significance does this project hold in today’s logistics landscape?
Panattoni Park Central A1(M) is a landmark development, reflecting our commitment to supporting large-scale industrial operations. Its scale and state-of-the-art infrastructure address the increasing need for efficient, high-capacity logistics facilities.
As Central A1(M) is the largest single specula- tive build unit to enter the UK market in 2025, this project demonstrates our confidence in the region’s long-term growth and its stra- tegic importance in serving modern supply chain requirements.
The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport has sparked increased interest in the region. How do you see this develop- ment influencing Panattoni’s future projects and opportunities?
The revival of Doncaster Sheffield Airport pre- sents a game-changing opportunity for South
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2025
Yorkshire’s logistics sector, improving access to global supply chains and further cementing the region’s reputation as a prime logistics hub. It is our understanding that there will be an initial focus freight which is great for growing goods industry. Our Panattoni Doncaster 420 site is located on an 18.4-acre site adjacent to the airport, with 418,276 sq ft of grade A industrial and logistics space. As it is currently the largest single-unit speculative build in the region, this development will directly support enhanced air freight capabilities from the reopening, providing occupiers with greater international connectivity.
The airport’s revival will continue to support increased investment and job creation in the area, strengthening the local economy.
There has been a notable growth of last-mile warehouses near large cities, such as Sheffield. Why is demand increasing?
The surge in e-commerce, consumer expecta- tions for rapid delivery, and urban population growth have driven a sharp increase in last-mile logistics demand. This year, the proportion of all UK retail sales made online is predicted to reach 38.1% – amounting to a value of £152 billion. Companies are looking for well-positioned dis- tribution hubs that enable faster delivery times and reduced transportation costs to densely pop- ulated cities where e-commerce demand is high.
The last 80,000 sq ft unit at Panattoni Park Rotherham is a prime example of a last-mile logistics hub designed to serve the Sheffield city region and across South Yorkshire. With a highly efficient warehouse footprint and access to key road networks, being immediately adjacent to Jct 1 M18, this development offers businesses a strategic base for final-mile delivery operations.
As demand continues to rise, we antici- pate further growth in urban logistics infra- structure, making locations like Rotherham essential for retailers and third-party logistics providers.
Sustainability is another key trend in indus- trial development in South Yorkshire. What is Panattoni doing to support this?
Sustainability is at the core of Panattoni’s devel- opment strategy, and we are taking significant steps to ensure that all our South Yorkshire projects align with ambitious environmen- tal, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Across Panattoni Park Rotherham, Doncaster 420 and Central A1(M), we are implementing cutting-edge
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sustainability measures, and all buildings are accredited by BREEAM and EPC rated ensure energy efficiency. Panattoni Park Central A1(M) is targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating as an example our commitment. Our focus is on reducing operational carbon footprints while providing cost-effective, future-proofed spaces for occupiers.
For our South Yorkshire developments, we are integrating solar-ready roofs, EV charging sta- tions, and rainwater harvesting systems, ensur- ing that our buildings contribute positively to both the environment and the communities they serve. Furthermore, as the logistics sector moves towards a net-zero future, Panattoni remains at the forefront of providing occupiers with the sus- tainable infrastructure needed to meet their ESG commitments. By prioritising eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, and responsible development, we are not just reducing environmental impact— we are actively shaping the future of sustainable logistics in South Yorkshire and beyond.
How are Panattoni’s developments supporting the local community in South Yorkshire?
At Panattoni, we are committed to ensuring our projects provide meaningful benefits to local communities.
Firstly, our investments create thousands of jobs—both during construction and in ongo- ing operations—supporting economic growth and skills development in the region. We work closely with local authorities, training provid- ers, and recruitment initiatives to ensure resi- dents benefit from employment opportunities. Additionally, our developments play a crucial role in facilitating last mile delivery, ensuring consumers have improved access to goods and services with reduced delivery times. The eco- nomic boost from new industrial occupiers also leads to increased investment in infrastructure, local amenities, and business growth in the area.
Our dedication to responsible development— balancing economic growth with sustainability and community engagement—will ensure South Yorkshire continues to thrive as a logistics leader
for more information go to
www.panattoni.com
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