New logistics development places 35 million consumers within easy reach as construction of Bedford 405 completes

Goodman has launched its 45-acre Bedford Commercial Park, with construction of Bedford 405 now complete and available for occupation.  

• Largest warehouse to come to market in South East in 2019 is first development available for occupation at Bedford Commercial Park   
• Customers will benefit from strategic position at heart of Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, with 32 million people accessible within two-hour drive time 

At over 405,000 sq ft, the warehouse is the largest logistics property to come to the market in the South East this year¹ and reflects strong demand for strategically-located space along the southern M1 corridor, Bedford, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. 

Enjoying a central UK location – situated just seven miles from the M1 and 12 miles from the A1 Black Cat Roundabout – customers will benefit from prime connectivity and brand exposure, with Bedford 405 highly visible to the 40,000 vehicles passing on the A421 each day. 

Customers will also have access to a 16,200-strong readily available workforce within a 30-mile catchment area – set to increase with plans to build 19,000 new homes before 2035². 

Nigel Dolan, Development Director at Goodman, said: “Bedford 405 is part of Goodman’s ongoing commitment to invest in prime locations that connect our customers with their consumer bases more effectively, efficiently and sustainably. The high specification development will provide businesses with an opportunity to develop their presence at the heart of both the UK and the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, benefitting from proximity to London, Cambridge and Milton Keynes, alongside key roads, airports and ports.”

Features such as carbon-neutral cladding, electric car charging points and solar-enabled infrastructure see Bedford 405 reflecting Goodman’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, meeting the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Very Good’ standard. This approach extends to plans for the surrounding park environment, which will combine landscaped ponds, extensive woodland planting and a community orchard to support health and wellbeing, while protecting and enhancing local wildlife.  

Bedford 405 benefits from a 15m clear internal height, with the cross-docked unit offering customers flexibility and operational efficiency, combined with 18,500 sq ft of high specification office space. 

The wider development, which is being delivered in partnership with Bedford Borough Council, will see the delivery of a mix of industrial, distribution and business space, creating up to 1,600 local jobs. 

Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough Council, said: “Goodman’s investment demonstrates Bedford’s status as a key economic destination. Businesses across the smart logistics, engineering, aviation and manufacturing sectors are increasingly recognising the region’s potential and are locating here. 

“With multinational companies such as Unilever, Richardson International and Fujifilm already having chosen Bedford as their R&D centre, milling production and headquarters respectively, Bedford 405 continues to cement the area as a great place to live and work.”

Joint letting agents for the scheme are Adroit Real Estate Advisors and JLL. 

For further information and to enquire about Bedford 405, please visit the website for more details. 

For more information about business prospects in Bedford, please visit Invest in Bedford.

¹ As reported in Savills' Big Shed Briefing ‘The logistics market in London and the South East’ – published 4 July 2019. 

² Source: JLL Labour Market Analysis and Bedford Borough Council’s Growth Plan 2018-2022