British Land has obtained planning approval for a 121,000 sq ft ultra-low carbon logistics hub at 5 Kingdom Street in Paddington Central.

See the planning application submitted in December 2022.

This facility, situated at a former Crossrail works site, aims to improve delivery efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in Westminster. Inbound access will be provided for HGVs, while outbound deliveries will be handled by electric vehicles and cargo bikes.

The well-connected location will serve the entire Westminster area, eliminating approximately 100 large vans from local roads daily and cutting annual carbon emissions by up to 90%. The hub's carbon-saving impact is anticipated to be three times greater than the carbon absorption of all trees in Hyde Park. Additionally, over 500 new jobs and training opportunities will be generated, extending Paddington Central's positive local influence.

This development follows research by the Centre for London and University College London, commissioned by British Land, which highlighted the challenges of urban logistics in London. The city's central location, distant from out-of-town hubs, combined with traffic congestion and narrow streets, has led to delivery delays and increased hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. The study revealed that urban logistics hubs in central London could significantly reduce carbon emissions, pollution, delivery times, and costs for operators. Using London as a case study, cargo bike deliveries were found to be 1.6 times faster and could reduce total distance traveled by up to 20%.

Mike Best, Head of Logistics at British Land, said: “The post-pandemic demand for ultrafast deliveries comes with major impacts on emissions, air quality, congestion and road safety, which urban logistics hubs can combat. Replacing traditional vans with sustainable electric vehicles and bikes can deliver carbon savings of up to 90% per parcel alongside the wider positive impact on air quality and wider environment for local communities.”

“British Land’s skillset in delivering complex, mixed-use, sustainable developments and our strategically located portfolio means we are well positioned to unlock urban logistics space in London. We look forward to progressing our plans at 5 Kingdom Street and across our wider London portfolio.”

British Land’s Greater London urban logistics pipeline has a gross development value of £1.5bn and includes two sites off the Old Kent Road, Finsbury Square Car Park, and sites at Enfield, Wembley and Thurrock. To date, British Land has submitted planning applications for 1.6m sq ft of potential urban logistics space.

Back to 5 Kingdom Street.