£80m national HQ for Pall-Ex approved in Leicestershire
£80m national HQ for Pall-Ex approved in Leicestershire
15 October 2025
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has granted planning permission for an £80 million national headquarters and logistics hub for Pall-Ex, marking one of the UK's largest build-to-suit pre-let deals this year.
The new Centre of Excellence will be developed in partnership with commercial property developer Barberry on a 14.2-hectare site at Bardon, Leicestershire. Spanning 408,000 sq ft with an additional 100,000 sq ft of canopy space, the purpose-built facility will become Pall-Ex's flagship hub, housing both its UK and European operations.
The development has been designed with a focus on environmental performance and innovation. It is targeting EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent ratings and is expected to be the first purpose-built, energy self-sufficient facility in the UK pallet network sector. Planned features include solar panels, EV charging infrastructure, green spaces, and carbon-neutral operational standards.
Construction is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs, with a further 534 permanent roles created once the facility is operational. The site will also incorporate staff welfare amenities, including a football pitch, basketball court, and recreation zone, to support employee wellbeing and retention.
Jonathan Robinson, Development Director at Barberry, said the scheme represents a key investment in both regional infrastructure and sustainable logistics. He credited Hinckley and Bosworth Council for their support in advancing the project.
Kevin Buchanan, CEO of Pall-Ex Group, described the development as a strategic milestone. "Our new Centre of Excellence isn’t just about expansion and growth – it’s about redefining the industry through technology, quality, and sustainable infrastructure," he said.
Local government leaders also welcomed the decision, citing the employment and economic benefits for the borough. Stuart Bray, Leader of Hinckley & Bosworth Council, called it a "nationally significant scheme," while Bill Cullen, the council's Chief Executive, highlighted its role in boosting local infrastructure and job creation.
Barberry has an active industrial and logistics pipeline of 3.3 million sq ft, with a gross development value exceeding £600 million, alongside a land portfolio capable of delivering thousands of new homes and employment sites across the UK.
