Key Points
- Investec REALIS has partnered with Wrenbridge for speculative development of three urban logistics sites in Greater London and the South-East of England.
- The three sites include a vacant film studio warehouse in Greenwich, a brownfield site in Cambridge, and a 47% share in an 8-acre site at Harlow Innovation Park.
- The developments will feature units ranging from 37,000 to 150,000 square feet, targeting high sustainability standards including EPC ‘A*’ ratings and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certifications.
- The Harlow site development is in partnership with Buccleuch Property and Wrenbridge.
- Wrenbridge has extensive experience, having delivered 30 schemes worth £2 billion with 1.5 million sq ft currently under construction.
- The projects reflect strong demand for urban logistics space amid supply and demand imbalance, with strategic focus on sustainability.
- Investec REALIS and Wrenbridge’s commitment include targeting net zero carbon and high ESG standards.
What is the nature of the partnership between Investec REALIS and Wrenbridge?
As reported by Logistics Manager on 21 October 2025, Investec REALIS, the real estate equity strategy launched last year by Investec, has formed a partnership with Wrenbridge to speculatively develop urban logistics assets across Greater London and the South-East. This collaboration facilitates the acquisition and redevelopment of three sites with a combined value of around £90 million, marking Investec’s continued momentum in the industrial and logistics sector.
Ben Coles, Chief Executive of Wrenbridge, conveyed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating,
“We are very excited to have teamed up with Investec to deliver three best in class sites. The projects located in Greenwich, Cambridge and Harlow will be brought forward on a speculative basis, reflecting our belief in the occupational markets driven by a continued supply and demand imbalance”.
Which sites have been acquired and what are their development plans?
Investec and Wrenbridge have secured three distinct sites:
- Greenwich: A vacant film studio production warehouse is set to be redeveloped into a 40,000 square foot single-let logistics unit.
- Cambridge: A brownfield site will be transformed into a 37,000 square foot mid-box logistics facility.
- Harlow Innovation Park: Investec holds a 47% share in the Special Purpose Vehicle owning an 8-acre site. The plan is to develop a 150,000 square foot industrial and research & development focused building in partnership with Buccleuch Property and Wrenbridge.
The developments will prioritise sustainability, aiming for an EPC ‘A*’ rating along with BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, aligning with commitments from both Investec REALIS and Wrenbridge to sustainable urban logistics solutions.
How experienced is Wrenbridge in this type of development?
Wrenbridge brings significant expertise to the partnership. According to Logistics Manager, the firm has delivered 30 schemes across the UK, with a combined gross development value (GDV) of £2 billion. Currently, Wrenbridge is managing construction of 1.5 million square feet of urban logistics space, with an additional 500,000 square feet in the pipeline.
Ben Coles emphasised the strategic importance of these acquisitions, noting the combined forces of Investec and Wrenbridge insist on high-quality and sustainable developments tailored to the evolving urban logistics market.
What sustainability and environmental standards are targeted?
The projects are designed to meet stringent sustainability criteria. Both Investec REALIS and Wrenbridge seek to achieve EPC ‘A*’ ratings and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification for the developments. This commitment signifies efforts to limit environmental impact, increase energy efficiency, and promote ecological benefits in urban logistics construction.
What is the significance of these urban logistics developments in context?
Urban logistics hubs have seen increased demand driven by e-commerce growth and supply chain adjustments such as nearshoring. With rising supply and demand imbalances for last-mile and regional logistics space in and around London and the South-East, these developments are expected to satisfy tenant demand for high-quality, well-connected logistics facilities.
This sector’s resilience and growth potential have attracted investors like Investec REALIS aiming to capitalize on this trend by providing best-in-class speculative developments to the market.
What other relevant recent developments support this trend with related partnerships?
While the direct partnership with Investec REALIS involves Greenwich, Cambridge, and Harlow sites, it is worth noting that Wrenbridge also partners with other firms to develop urban logistics, such as with Fiera Real Estate. For example, in May 2025, Fiera and Wrenbridge secured two development facilities in Heathrow and Stevenage with financing from Investec, focused on Grade A, mid-box urban logistics space and targeting equally high sustainability standards.
These multiple large-scale projects underline a wider strategic approach by Investec and Wrenbridge to expand logistics assets with a strong emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles.
The alliance of Investec REALIS and Wrenbridge in acquiring and developing three urban logistics sites marks a significant step in addressing the growing demand for sustainable, high-quality logistics infrastructure in the UK. By focusing on prime locations, best-in-class developments, and environmental standards, the partnership exemplifies current market trends responding to e-commerce and supply chain shifts.
