A build-to-suit site is not a ready warehouse
The occupier and landowner or developer first agree the commercial and technical framework. The facility is then designed and developed around a documented operating requirement, subject to title, approvals and feasibility.
Qualify the land
- Ownership, access and development rights
- Highway frontage and safe vehicle entry
- Land use and statutory feasibility
- Power, water, drainage and fire access
- Levels, soil, flooding and surrounding activity
Freeze an employer’s-requirement document
- Covered area, clear height and column grid
- Floor load and finish
- Dock count, ramps and yard depth
- Fire systems and utility loads
- Office, staff, parking and security areas
- Sustainability, expansion and automation requirements
Allocate delivery risk clearly
The agreement should identify who obtains approvals, who funds each element, the programme, inspection rights, quality standards, handover tests and consequences of delay or specification failure.
Match the lease to the development investment
Build-to-suit economics usually depend on tenure, rent escalation, security, maintenance responsibilities and exit protections. Both parties need clarity on what happens if approvals, funding or delivery milestones are not achieved.
Proceed through a qualified process
Detailed land documents, commercials and design discussions should follow confirmation of the occupier’s use, size, timeline and authority to proceed. This protects confidentiality and prevents an early concept from being mistaken for a completed or approved facility.