Origin kicks off second phase of £100m Aptus

The joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital has started work on the £22m second phase of the Preston industrial scheme.

Aptus’s second phase, consented around a year ago, will see a further 107,000 sq ft brought to the Lancashire market. This phase was brought into the Origin JV in December.

Set up in 2024, Origin is an ESG-led industrial and logistics joint venture with Feldberg Capital, in which HBD is a 25% shareholder. Three HBD schemes seeded the JV, with three more added at the end of 2025.

Close to Junction 31A of the M6, Aptus is being delivered in joint venture by HBD and Barnfield. Once complete, Aptus will provide a total of 790,000 sq ft of sustainability-led I&L space.

Work is underway on phase one, with a 145,000 sq ft manufacturing facility being developed by Kerakoll. Phase two will see Origin deliver a further three units between 26,507 sq ft and 53,841 sq ft. All three buildings will be complete and ready for occupation later this year.

Barnfield Construction is building the three units on behalf of Origin.

Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, said: “We have seen strong interest from potential occupiers seeking well-connected, sustainable I&L buildings with excellent power provision and market-ready infrastructure.

“We know that Grade A space remains constrained in key locations like Preston so it’s positive to be able to bring this second phase forward.”

Jamie Acheson, managing director of Feldberg Capital, said: “Well-located schemes like APTUS, with scale and strong fundamentals, remain attractive in the current market and we’re pleased to be progressing the development in line with demand.”

Agents on the scheme are Newmark, Young & Co and Eckersley Property.