Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has submitted a hybrid planning application for a major new industrial and logistics scheme on the former Marley Works site in Lenham, near Maidstone.
The proposed development, Panattoni Park Maidstone, would bring more than one million sq ft of high-quality employment space to the 70-acre brownfield site, supporting business growth, job creation and inward investment in Kent.
Strategically located on the A20 with direct access to the M20 motorway, the site offers excellent connectivity to London, the M25 and key UK and European trade gateways, making it an attractive location for logistics, manufacturing and distribution businesses.
The application includes detailed plans for an initial phase comprising two units of 100,000 sq ft and 150,000 sq ft. Outline consent is also being sought for a second phase of approximately 790,000 sq ft, providing opportunities for bespoke build-to-suit facilities designed to meet occupier requirements.
The development is expected to support around 600 construction jobs during the two-year build programme. Once operational, Panattoni Park Maidstone could accommodate between 1,040 and 2,695 direct jobs, with an estimated economic contribution of up to £404 million to Kent.
The proposed buildings are targeting high sustainability standards, including BREEAM Excellent certification and EPC A+ ratings, reflecting growing demand for environmentally efficient commercial space.
David McGougan, Senior Development Director for the South East at Panattoni, said:
“This is a significant planning application that will repurpose and redevelop more than one million square feet of high-quality industrial and logistics space on a site already earmarked for employment.
With the ongoing supply of high-quality commercial property constrained, Panattoni will be able to deliver both immediately available units and flexible build-to-suit opportunities for a broad range of occupiers. Panattoni Park Maidstone is exceptionally well located for businesses serving London, the South East and European markets.”
The Maidstone proposals would take Panattoni’s wider investment in Kent to more than £625 million. The company has already delivered major regeneration projects across the county, including Panattoni Park Aylesford on the former Aylesford Newsprint site and Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, which transformed a long-vacant site into 645,000 sq ft of modern logistics and distribution space.
For more information about the project, visit: www.panattoni-marleyworks.co.uk.
