Stoford and Axel Logistics appoint McLaren to build Crayford Urban Logistics Hub

Stoford and Axel Logistics appoint McLaren to build Crayford Urban Logistics Hub

Stoford and Axel Logistics have awarded McLaren Construction the £29.4 million contract for a 319,245 square foot urban logistics hub in Crayford, South East London.

Known as MLM Crayford, the scheme comprises three highly sustainable industrial buildings with Grade A office space, ranging in size from 31,695 to 109,470 square feet. A multi-storey car park will also be built to serve the development.

The presence of the Slade Green to Dartford railway line on the Northeastern boundary calls on McLaren’s experience of working adjacent to rail infrastructure under a Network Rail Basic Asset Protection Agreement (BAPA).

The scheme targets BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A and a carbon-neutral whole life cycle. Sustainable features of the design include photovoltaic roof panels and energy-efficient LED lighting, as well as bicycle storage, EV charging provision and external wellbeing areas for occupiers. The 12-acre brownfield site in Bexley Council’s Thames Road Industrial Area has been disused for around 15 years.

McLaren Construction’s managing director for industrial and logistics, David Gavin, comments, “There are some locations where warehouse construction might be straightforward, but not in an urban area, up against a railway line and with the ambition of achieving BREEAM Outstanding.

Angus Huntley, Director at Stoford said: “MLM Crayford will regenerate a site that has been disused for more than a decade, delivering a logistics scheme in a supply constrained location that is market leading in its sustainability.”

McLaren Construction has been a regular partner of Stoford on a broad range of commercial property developments, such as the Enfield headquarters for software provider Metaswitch, the Stafford fulfilment centre for retailer Pets at Home and the West Midlands Ambulance Service hub in Sandwell.  

Enabling works commenced in December 2024 and the 40-week construction programme is due for completion in Q3 2025. Key subcontractors on the project include:

RMC (ground works)
ISC (earthworks)
FH Dale (steel frame)
FK (cladding)
Ridgeway (curtain wall)