Gazeley - Industrial Development - Kempston, Marsh Leys

Date: 04 Apr 2001

Gazeley Properties Ltd has been granted planning permission from Bedford Borough Council to develop a 35,000 sq m (360,000 sq ft) distribution centre for leading superstore chain Asda, at Marsh Leys in Kempston near Bedford.

Situated on a 8.09 hectare (21 acre) plot fronting the A421 at Kempston, the centre will house chilled and frozen foods for Asda's network of stores throughout the Midlands and the South East. The development is expected to bring an estimated 550 new jobs to the local community.

Work will start immediately with completion scheduled for September 2001.

The Asda centre is set to kick-start the second phase of development at the 56 hectare (138 acre) site, to be known as Marsh Leys Business Park. Outline planning consent exists for a further 93,000 sq m (1 million sq ft) of B1,B2 and B8 industrial / distribution accommodation. Gazeley plans to push ahead with development, subject to planning permission, as soon as possible.

Infrastructure works have also commenced with the creation of a new roundabout on the Woburn Road to provide access to the business park. The roundabout and associated works, which are being funded by Gazeley to the tune of £2 million, will provide access to the A421 and form the first phase of the long awaited Bedford Western Bypass.

The development of Marsh Leys will enable the carrying out of an important section of tree planting on around 8.09 hectares (20 acres) of land forming part of the Marston Vale Community Forest. This land, with money for future maintenance, will be handed over to the Marston Vale Trust by the developers.

Gazeley's director of planning and development, Don Morgan said:
"Marsh Leys Business Park will be one of our largest developments. It will bring major new investment to Bedford and when completed is expected to create about 1,500 jobs."

Barton Plant and Simons have been appointed as contractors.

Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Property Newsletter » Submit news