SGP completes light industrial units at former Leicester council depot

By Satnam Flora

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is delighted to announce the completion of 21 single-storey industrial units at Blackbird Industrial Park in Leicester, formerly Leicester City Council housing depot. Working for client Brackley Property Development, SGP has transformed the unused site into a hub for small to medium-sized light industrial businesses, with four buildings, car parking, servicing areas, cycle storage, and associated landscaping

Says Satnam Flora, Associate at SGP: “The new units are of varying sizes, from 70 sqm to 232 sqm, offering flexibility for a range of businesses, and particularly aiming to address the demand for high-quality commercial employment workspace for start-up and growing businesses in the city.”

As the constrained 1-hectare site is surrounded by a mix of residential, community and industrial buildings, SGP’s design carefully considered the appearance, scale and height of the units, fitting them within their immediate built environment. A simple, aesthetically pleasing and functional group of terraces, using clean lines and a neutral colour palette avoids dominating the surrounding area creating a consistent built form.

Sustainability is an important aspect of the development. The scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain of 57.5% through enhancing the existing mixed scrub, which can support a range of wildlife including birds, small mammals and invertebrates, and developing new green spaces with neutral grassland and wildflower meadow. The units will focus on energy efficiency and photovoltaic panels have been incorporated into the design. EV charging points are also provided, and the hub benefits from excellent public transport connections.

Concludes Satnam: “This redevelopment is part of Leicester City Council’s on-going programme of new Levelling Up funded works, aimed at providing quality employment and transport infrastructure improvements in the city. The plans include other exciting schemes such as the expansion of Pioneer Park science and technology campus, where the latest SGP designed Docks 3, 4 & 5 have also completed.”