Sizewell C has sealed one of the biggest letting deals in the UK after agreeing a lease on the giant Orwell Logistics Park in Ipswich.

The site - owned by BGO - will provide 1m sq ft of space for it at the peak of construction work at the new nuclear site near Leiston.

The storage of equipment at the A14 site between Ipswich and Felixstowe will "support efficient construction", said plant bosses.

Work on the site - which secured a Nuclear Site Licence earlier this year, it progressing.

"This latest transaction is a significant milestone that will play a crucial role in supporting the supply chain requirements for the construction of the power station," said Sizewell C.

It will be used to store key equipment and for Sizewell C’s Freight Management Facility (FMF) to ensure a controlled pattern of deliveries to Sizewell C

This will enable reduced movements during peak or sensitive hours.

Sizewell C previously earmarked a site at Levington, to the south-east of Ipswich, for its FMF, but after local consultation and with the preferred location available, the facility will now be based at Orwell Logistics Park.

Sizewell C will occupy two completed units on the site, as well as agreeing to pre-let the remaining units and open storage plot.

Sizewell C Joint Managing Director Nigel Cann said: “After starting formal construction this year, this is yet another big step forward for Sizewell C.

"Orwell Logistics Park is an excellent solution for our logistics and freight management – and it will be a crucial location for us as we begin the gradual ramp-up to peak construction over the next five years whilst showing due consideration to our host communities.”

Orwell Logistics Park was acquired by BGO and Equation Properties in December 2020. The site spans a total of 60 acres with a total floor area of just under 1.1m sq ft.

Equation Properties managing director Richard Batham-Read said: “The commitment from Sizewell C is a major validation for the vision we have had for this project, underpinning our belief in the location representing a great opportunity to capitalise on the strategic highway network and occupational requirements emanating from Port activities.”

BGO managing partner Gareth Purcell said they were thrilled to welcome Sizewell C to Orwell Logistics Park and support the supply chain for this critical piece of national energy infrastructure.

The recently completed Phase 1 of Orwell Logistics Park was speculatively developed and comprises units of 301,214sq ft and 256,255sq ft.

The to-be-developed units consist of two additional buildings of 500,000sq ft and 25,335sq ft respectively, along with 5.34 acres of open storage.

Sizewell C will take immediate occupation of Phase 1 in Q3 2024. Construction of Phase 2 will be completed in Summer 2025.