MP gets look behind scenes at £150m Swale investment

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately-owned industrial developer, marked the completion of phase 1 of Panattoni Park Sittingbourne with a visit from local MP Kevin McKenna.

The landmark day saw the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey join senior representatives from Panattoni for a tour of the two units of 440,000 sq ft and a 205,000 sq ft respectively – the largest speculative development in Kent for more than a decade*.

When occupied, phase 1 of the £150m development will provide employment for more than 1,000 people in Swale. Following the granting of planning permission, construction is now under way on phase 2, delivering a 58,000 sq ft facility which is already let to DPD. The unit is expected to be constructed by the end of 2025 and will create hundreds more jobs in the region.

Commenting after the visit, Kevin McKenna MP, said: “This is a great vote of confidence in Swale as a location for business by a company that is clearly committed to delivering high quality logistics and warehousing buildings for their tenants.

“These two buildings, and the DPD unit being built next door, present great employment opportunities for local people and will help sustain the area’s industrial economy. I’m delighted that Panattoni has chosen to invest in Swale and committed to being part of the local business community.”

Each building benefits from enhanced levels of environmental performance, including rainwater harvesting and water leak detection; 15% roof lights; EV charging; high standards of insulation and water saving to reduce energy consumption.

The roof-mounted solar PV system can generate 1.35MVa of renewable energy, with the option to increase the number of panels, and also access a further 5MVa from the National Grid. The energy performance of the two buildings has been certified as BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’, with net zero development, and they are now ready to let.

Tony Watkins, Head of Development, South East and London, at Panattoni added: “It was great to give the local MP a behind the scenes tour of our latest Kent development. For too long Kent has seen demand for high-quality logistics and distribution space go unmet. Thanks to our investments here at Sittingbourne and down the road at Panattoni Park Aylesford, we have helped redress that balance.

“In just three years, we transformed a vacant 90-acre site at Aylesford into a fully occupied park offering more than 1 million sq ft of high-quality logistics and distribution facilities, including a built-to-suit 621,000 sq ft unit for Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer.

“Our development at Sittingbourne represents a significant step in our commitment to sustainability and strategic growth in the South East and I’m confident it will be one of many Panattoni sites across Kent.”

Panattoni Park Sittingbourne benefits from excellent transport links, a strong local workforce, making it ideally placed to support the operational needs of modern occupiers. Phase 2 will allow Panattoni to continue this momentum, with DPD’s presence highlighting the appeal and importance of the site as a logistics hub.

The development is located just off junction 5 of the M2, and benefits from the completion of the £92 million investment to upgrade the Stockbury roundabout, as well as the £37m improvement of the Grovehill roundabout between Iwade and Kemsley. It is strategically positioned in a prime location mid way between London and Dover through the M20 and M25, as well as other vital markets including Europe via London Thamesport, and the Port of Tilbury. This ensures easy access to major trunk routes, railways, and ports for tenants.