Glencar leads on national distribution hub
Tungsten acquires site for East Anglia timber distribution hub
17 September 2025
Tungsten Properties, acting on behalf of timber distributor Lathams , has secured a 17-acre site in East Anglia with planning permission to develop a 300,000 sq ft national distribution centre (NDC). The £38.5 million scheme represents the largest investment in Lathams’ 268-year history.
Tungsten Properties will oversee delivery of the site BS Glencar Construction has been named the main contractor. Work is due to start in September 2025 with completion scheduled for summer 2026. The construction phase is expected to create around 100 jobs, with approximately 30 permanent roles once operational.
Headquartered in Hemel Hempstead, Lathams operates 13 facilities across the UK and Ireland, employing over 600 people. The new facility will strengthen the company’s logistics network, particularly in support of its timber import operations via UK ports. Following an extensive land search across Yorkshire, the Midlands, and eastern England, East Anglia was selected as the optimal location.
The approved scheme will target high environmental standards, aiming for BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. The facility will feature 15-metre eaves, 24 ground-level and dock loading doors, a secure self-contained yard, and fully fitted office accommodation.
Piers Latham, Director at Lathams, described the project as transformative. “This is the biggest investment in our 268-year history. It will facilitate growth, supplying all our 13 depots nationally while creating jobs in the East Anglia region.”
Ian Dunckley, Development Director at Tungsten Properties, added: “We are pleased to have secured the land and planning consent for Lathams Ltd. The new facility will support their continued expansion and deliver a strategic, state-of-the-art logistics hub.”
The professional team supporting the project includes HTC Architects, Goodrich Consulting, PRP Consulting Engineers, The Engineering Practice, and Eddison Planning. Legal advice was provided by Wedlake Bell for Lathams and Dan Harness of Coke Gearing for Tungsten.