With UK construction activity in the warehousing sector expected to rise by a further 10 per cent in 2019 and 2020 thanks to Brexit uncertainty and the country’s potential need to stockpile food and resources, now has never been a better time to consider investing in building industrial properties. For today’s companies, environment and workspace are important factors, so check out our guide on how you can construct industrial buildings that will stand the test of time.
Location, Location, Location
Where your building is situated will be vital to enticing potential buyers or tenants to your property. You want your property to be within easy reach of local towns so that staff can reach it, but not in too crowded an area that you’re restricted when you come to applying for planning permission and have to create a smaller structure. Consider what your property is designed to be used for before you visit potential sites. Think about factors such as how many staff the company that uses it will need, how the property will be accessed and what transport networks you will need nearby.
Build A Flexible Layout
Many modern companies have to replace or refit their equipment often to stay ahead of the competition and continue to offer the service their clients expect, so make sure that you create a floorplan that is flexible and with lots of space for movement. Open spaces are ideal for companies that need to move stock or machinery often, so try to create a building that has clean lines and an open layout.
Use Durable Flooring
Modern machinery is bulky and can be hard to manoeuvre, so think hard about the flooring materials you want to use for your property. It’s important that whatever material you choose it is easy to maintain, high-quality and long-lasting so that it doesn’t need to be replaced regularly. Consider an uncoating, high-gloss flooring system such as polished concrete so that you can keep your building looking great even after many years of use.
Think About Your Building’s Carbon Footprint
Consumers are increasingly focused on sustainability and the environmental impact of everything they buy, so try to factor this into your industrial building, as this will allow the companies that eventually use it to showcase their green credentials and will provide you with a unique selling point for your property. Try using sustainable materials such as recycled steel, or incorporating energy saving solutions such as solar panels into your property to show your dedication to saving the planet.
Remember To Consider Staff Amenities
When building a warehouse or a manufacturing property it can be easy to consider only the needs of the company that will be operating in your building, without thinking about the staff that will be running their operation. Gone are the days when employees were happy to take their break outside or in a corner; today’s staff expect dedicated break rooms, as well as amenities like phone charging stations, coffee making facilities and vending machines. Make sure that you have the outlets and space for these facilities so that your new building is as appealing as possible to potential buyers.