PROLOGIS, industrial real estate developer, has set up a 50/50 joint venture with global port operator DP World to develop a 316,000-square foot distribution centre at the London Gateway Logistics Park.

The new facility, which will be built speculatively, is a single-sided 15-metre-high unit with a 55-metre yard and space for potential expansion. It is designed to achieve BREEAM 2011 accreditation and the best Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for its size.

The park, one of the largest multi-modal logistics hubs in Europe, is located next to the DP World London Gateway container port, on the north side of the River Thames.

Strong demand has led to the development being moved forwards and ground works are now underway. The target date for the completed building is spring 2015.

Said Prologis UK managing director Andrew Griffiths: "This is the best opportunity in the southeast to offer multi-modal connectivity. The park has the potential to offer big cost savings and efficiencies for global supply chains and we believe it is a game changer for the UK market."