Property group Harworth has reported positive operational momentum despite softer residential markets in a trading update for H1 2025.
The business says it has submitted significant planning applications, which feature 4.9 million sq ft worth of industrial & logistics space (8.1 million sq ft in total), and about 1,200 residential plots.
In July, applications for a further 1.5 million sq ft of industrial & logistics space and around 2,800 residential plots (total 4,900) were submitted.
Lynda Shillaw, chief executive, said: “I am very pleased with the sustained operational momentum of the last six months and especially the consistency of delivery against milestones, including accretive acquisitions and a strong pipeline of residential plot sales.
“The quality of our land bank remains excellent, and we have an encouraging pipeline of potential deals, demonstrated by a strong level of interest across c. 1.2 million sq ft of our industrial & logistics land and property portfolio.
“Our focus sectors remain in structural undersupply, are aligned to government policy, and are key to stimulating and supporting UK economic growth.
“The scale and importance of our key sites to regional pipelines and our through-the-cycle business model means that we continue to invest in infrastructure and the creation of serviced plots, having already enabled 2.4 million sq ft with a further 1.1 million sq ft of enabling works and 4.1 million sq ft of infrastructure works underway across 2025.”
Other highlights for the group during half one include a new strategic partnership with Church Commissioners for England.
This has seen Harworth conditionally exchange on a new joint venture to deliver a significant mixed-use development in West Yorkshire, with a total site capacity of about 1.2 million sq ft of employment space and around 1,500 residential plots.
Harworth reports a strong volume of residential plot sales. It completed 649 residential plots, with a further 1,593 residential plots sales conditionally exchanged or going through the legal process.
However, the group also notes macroeconomic challenges and volatility which it highlighted previously have not abated. It warns these issues – combined with domestic fiscal and policy agendas – are contributing to weak UK economic growth.
TheBusinessDesk.com is staging a lunch in Sheffield on Thursday 16 October where the special guest speaker will be Lynda Shillaw. It will offer a chance to network with the Sheffield business community and enjoy a two-course lunch at Manahatta, Fountain Precinct. Click here for more details.