Indurent Park Access 18 in Avonmouth is a large-scale regeneration project that has transformed a former industrial site into a thriving logistics and industrial hub. Located within the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area, the development is strategically positioned near key transportation links, including the M5 and M49 motorways, making it an ideal location for distribution and manufacturing businesses. This brownfield regeneration project emphasises sustainability, wellbeing, and community impact, having already attracted high-calibre tenants and creating significant employment opportunities in the region.
The site won Project of the Year in 2020 (Urban Regeneration Project) and was shortlisted for this year’s Special 20th Anniversary Award: “Most Significant UK Remediation or Regeneration Project”.
The 212-hectare site was formerly home to the Britannia Zinc Smelting Works, with over a century of heavy industrial activity, including zinc and lead smelting, which led to extensive contamination from heavy metals. The smelting operations ceased in the late 1990s, leaving behind a complex remediation challenge.
Indurent’s remediation approach was focused on retaining and reusing Made Ground materials on-site, reducing the need for importing materials. Contaminant pathways were severed through a combination of clean fill and engineered construction materials.
Key elements of the remediation included installing a cut-off wall to prevent the migration of contaminants, effluent treatment systems, and a sealed drainage system to manage rainfall and prevent further pollution. This approach not only addressed the contamination issues but also significantly reduced the carbon footprint associated with haulage, saving millions of transportation miles.
The site included a historically important network of watercourses, known as rhines, which had been negatively impacted by the industrial activities. As part of the redevelopment, ecological enhancements were incorporated into the design to restore these watercourses and create a thriving natural environment.
Three dedicated ecological enhancement areas were established, featuring Surface Water Attenuation Ponds (SWAPs) that support habitats for wildlife such as otters, water voles, and kingfishers. The restoration of these areas has led to the return of rare species and improved local biodiversity. The SWAPs also serve as focal points for employee well-being, offering a scenic environment for workers to enjoy during breaks.
The planning process for Access 18 was relatively straightforward, largely thanks to Indurent’s experience in handling complex ecological and environmental issues. Close collaboration with Bristol City Council and environmental regulators ensured that the project met all necessary ecological and remediation requirements.
The development’s proximity to key transportation hubs, such as the M5, the M49, and the Avonmouth and Portbury Docks, makes it an ideal location for logistics and distribution businesses. Around 80% of the UK’s population can be reached within a four-hour drive, further enhancing its attractiveness to tenants.
The high-quality, sustainable warehouse spaces have attracted prominent tenants, solidifying Access 18’s position as one of the leading employment hubs in the South West.
Notable occupiers include major brands like Ocado, Wayfair, Evri, DB Schenker, and Nisbets. These tenants benefit from the site’s flexible, BREEAM Excellent-rated buildings, which are designed to reduce operational costs through energy efficiency and sustainable practices. Smaller businesses, including SMEs such as Plant Ex and Herschel Infrared, have also found a home in Access 18’s diverse range of units, which cater to both large and small enterprises.
Sustainability has been a core focus throughout the development of Access 18, with all buildings adhering to the Indurent Standard for sustainable construction. This includes energy-efficient features such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, rainwater harvesting, and airtight building designs to reduce energy consumption.
The park integrates wellbeing initiatives into its design, including trim trails and cycling paths, EV charging points, and outdoor seating areas, landscaped areas, all designed to encourage active lifestyles and promote wellbeing for employees. These features reflect our commitment to creating spaces that not only meet business needs but also support the health and productivity of the workforce.
PV panels on roof as standard, generating significant energy savings and Smart LED lighting helping you reduce energy consumption by up to 75%
Roof lights reduce the need for additional daytime lighting and provide a light, bright environment for your employees
BREEAM Excellent rating targeted placing this warehouse in the top 10% of warehouses in the UK for sustainability.
With an EPC A+ rating, customers can lower their energy bills, all whilst delivering net zero carbon offices
Access 18 has already made a significant contribution to local employment, creating more than 2,000 jobs with plans to support around 5,000 jobs upon completion.
The redevelopment of the site has brought substantial employment opportunities to Avonmouth, which has long been a major industrial area. The planned Ocado Customer Fulfilment Centre alone is expected to employ over 800 people.
