Bell Hammer, on behalf of Aviva Investors, has submitted plans for a new multi-unit logistics development.

Aviva Investors and its development manager, Bell Hammer, have submitted a planning application for a 180,000 sq ft multi-unit logistics scheme across eight units on a prime nine acre site in Guildford. The eight proposed units range from 11,000 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft and are located on Slyfield Estate, considered one of Surrey’s premier shed locations. The development will target a BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. 

The submission follows the recruitment of Rob Howe earlier in January as Bell Hammer’s new head of investments. The former head of European real estate at Arrow Capital Partners has joined the developer as it expands its remit to the logistics sector, having traditionally been office-focused. In February, Bell Hammer also appointed John Humberstone as its new head of strategy. 

Charlie Everest, director for real estate development at Aviva Investors, said: “The proposed Slyfield development is a good example of how Aviva Investors is taking existing holdings in the logistics sector and seeking to improve their credentials, making them relevant for businesses today and into the future. With these well located and specified units, we can take full advantage of recent rental growth and general improvement in the capital market conditions.” 

Colin Hall, development executive at Bell Hammer, added: “This is a rare opportunity to bring new grade A logistics space to Slyfield which has seen limited development over the last decade, primarily due to the tight land supply. There is also a general reluctance of Slyfield’s well-established occupiers to relocate given the paucity of alternative accommodation in and around Guildford, which also restricts pipeline.”