Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has advised Griffen UK on the sale of two high-grade distribution units and major development land at Griffen Park in Desford, Leicester. The transaction ranks among the largest industrial investment deals in the East Midlands this year and highlights the ongoing strength of the Golden Triangle.

The sale to JINGDONG Property, a leading infrastructure investment and asset management company and a part of JD.com, Inc., includes two best in class logistics units totaling 231,727 sq ft together with two development plots extending to 27.21 acres. Opportunities of this quality and scale are increasingly scarce in a region where availability remains at near historic lows.

Unit 1 comprises 128,048 sq ft and is let to Caterpillar (UK) until July 2033, supporting operations at their adjoining manufacturing facility.
Unit 2, at 103,679 sq ft, was sold with vacant possession. Both buildings deliver top tier sustainability performance with EPC A ratings and BREEAM Excellent certification.

Alex Carr, Executive Director and National Head of Industrial Investment at LSH, said:

“This deal is a clear signal that investor confidence in prime UK logistics remains exceptionally strong. High quality, long income assets paired with consented development land in the Golden Triangle are increasingly difficult to secure. With speculative development slowing and supply tightening, Griffen Park is positioned to outperform the wider market as we move into 2026.”

The development land benefits from detailed planning consent and can deliver up to 677,928 sq ft of new Grade A logistics space. This includes the potential for a single building of 508,050 sq ft, representing one of the largest immediately deliverable opportunities in Leicestershire.

Bruce Bailey, Chief Investment Officer at Griffen UK, said:

“The sale of Griffen Park underscores the exceptional depth of demand for truly best-in-class logistics space. We are immensely proud of the transformation achieved on the site and are delighted to conclude this transaction with JD Property, who are ideally placed to unlock its next phase of growth.” 

Griffen Park enjoys a prime strategic position with fast access to the M1, M69 and the wider Midlands motorway network. The area benefits from a strong industrial workforce, a diverse occupier base and a market where Grade A availability remains extremely limited.

Trowers and Hamlin’s acted for Griffen UK and Dentons represented JINGDONG Property.