A strong second half of the year in 2025 saw take up in the Essex region move marginally above trend levels at 1.9m sq ft, with Big Box and Mid Box activity accounting for 63% of the year’s lettings. The largest deal was the 820,000 sq ft pre let to Tesco at DP World, whilst Kent Foods took a 150,765 sq ft unit in the early part of the year.

Unsurprisingly, activity has slowed in Q1 2026, with just under 70,000 sq ft of take up. Activity has been focused on smaller transactions, with the largest letting being the 14,020 sq ft unit at Earls Colne Business Park in Colchester to Health Transportation Group.