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Turley support refurbishment of 465,000 sq ft logistics facility in Hemel Hempstead

On behalf of J. Murphy & Sons, we provided expert Planning, Strategic Communications and Sustainability & ESG services in relation to an existing distribution warehouse in Hemel Hempstead, known as Hemel 465, accommodating 465,000 sq ft (c. 43,000 sq m) of logistics and ancillary office floorspace.

We developed a planning strategy to secure various necessary refurbishment and alteration works to the warehouse to meet the operational requirements of a new incoming occupier (Sysco). The works are subject to a significant capital investment to future-proof the site in support of the local economy.

The scope further included the consolidation of existing staff parking within a new, state-of-the-art multi-storey car park in the southern part of the site, thereby unlocking additional operational yard space surrounding the warehouse. Planning permission for the multi-storey car park was granted in September 2024 (with final planning conditions discharged in June 2025) and construction works have begun.

The asset also boasts of excellent sustainability performance, specifically in the area of upfront carbon. Retrofitting the existing warehouse is estimated to have saved a significant amount of carbon compared to a demolition and new build scenario (with exact details to follow in due course). The upfront carbon performance of the retrofitted warehouse also aligns with the limits stipulated under the pilot version of the new UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard for a refurbished asset.

Steve Faber, Group Property Director at J. Murphy & Sons Limited, commented:

“We had some unique planning challenges to address here, including hard date targets to adhere to. Having worked with Turley for a considerable time I was confident in their ability to derisk our position. Turley has been a key advisor on this multi-million-pound refurbishment project and continue to play an important role in its delivery. Over the past 18 months and across various disciplines, Turley brought new perspectives and a solution-oriented thinking to this project which was highly valued by the project team, and which has cultivated an effective working relationship with the excellent team at the planning authority, Dacorum.”

Christopher Schiele, Director, added: 

“Advising on the largest available distribution warehouse within 25 miles of central London at the time has been a great privilege. The site is subject to various planning constraints which we sought to address through a multi-faceted planning strategy. With final planning approvals granted last month, we are looking forward to the completion of the refurbishment and construction works and seeing this site once again becoming a key contributor to the local and regional economy.”

Snigdha Jain, Head of ESG, summarised: 

“Working with the Murphy Group team to demonstrate market leading performance in the area of upfront carbon has been an incredible experience. This project demonstrates how retrofit can absolutely be the right solution in certain circumstances, with associated cost and carbon savings.” 

The project was supported by GTH Architects. 

10 July 2025