The Croydon industrial and logistics market could be about to see a surge in development. After seeing no new spec development since 2008, SHW data highlights that no less than six new schemes, totalling around 500,000 sq ft, are in the pipeline.

The first, which will be completed this month, is Standard Life Aberdeen’s Affinity scheme, comprising 46,250 sq ft in two buildings on Beddington Lane, an area that, with nearby Purley Way and Beddington Farm Road, forms the south-east London borough’s main industrial hub.

“Prior to building speculatively, a pre-let to Ocado had been agreed but planning permission was not forthcoming due to fears over increased vehicle movement,” says Alex Gale, head of business space, Surrey, south London and Kent, at SHW.