Logistics giant Pall-Ex and commercial property developer and investor Barberry have been given the go-ahead for construction of an £80m freight distribution hub in Leicestershire.

Pall-Ex’s new Centre of Excellence – the largest build-to-suit pre-let deal in the UK this year – will cover 408,000 sq ft, with an additional 100,000 sq ft of canopy space, on a 14.2-hectare site.

The facility will serve as the flagship logistics hub for the network and will house Pall-Ex’s UK and European headquarters.

The Centre of Excellence has been designed with sustainability and innovation at its core and incorporates a variety of energy-efficient and eco-friendly features, including electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels and designated green spaces.

Jonathan Robinson, Barberry Development director, said: “We are thrilled to announce that, having earlier this year secured a pre-let agreement with Pall-Ex to deliver the company’s new national Centre of Excellence in Leicestershire, we have now achieved planning consent.

“Our development is key to the region and will create around 500 construction jobs and an estimated 534 permanent jobs, business rates for the local authority and economic growth for local businesses and the community.

“Working closely with Pall-Ex, we will create a new national palletised freight distribution centre that will deliver new ESG credentials, carbon net zero in occupation, staff welfare recreation zone incorporating football pitch, basketball court, club house, helping attract and retain staff while providing Pall-Ex with the operational excellence that will make the business stand out amongst its UK competitors.”

Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex Group chief executive officer, said: “Our new, multi-million-pound, cutting-edge Centre of Excellence isn’t just about expansion and growth – it’s about redefining the industry through technology, quality, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. As a market leader, we are immensely proud to unveil plans for premises that will be A+ rated, carbon-neutral, and built for the future.”