Engineering consultancy Arup has been appointed to carry out early-stage design and engineering work for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR), planned for the Wylfa site on Anglesey. Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) confirmed that Arup will provide early-phase foundation engineering and design support as the landmark project
PERI UK is making AI-driven custom formwork design and fabrication available to contractors nationwide, following the successful deployment of the technology on an infrastructure scheme in Warwickshire. Powered by dataform.work – the digital construction joint venture co-founded by PERI Group and DataB – the system automates the translation of 3D models
Property consultancy MPW has broadened its services with the launch of a dedicated property and asset management arm, strengthening its ability to support clients from strategic planning through to day-to-day operational delivery. The move reflects increasing demand from property owners and regeneration partners for a more integrated approach that combines
Continuing to drive up levels of customer satisfaction is the main focus for Bellway North East’s new Head of Construction. Ben Singlewood has been appointed to the role with the housebuilder’s North East division on a permanent basis, having held the position in an interim capacity since last May. Based
When global beauty leader L’Oréal set out to develop its new distribution centre in Auckland, New Zealand, the brief extended far beyond operational efficiency. The Dangerous Goods Store within the facility required a robust, compliant lighting solution for a Zone 2 hazardous environment, while also contributing to a sustainability ambition
Nationwide Platforms has supported construction works at one of the world’s most remote research facilities, supplying specialist powered access equipment to BAM UK&I at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. The work forms part of the British Antarctic Survey’s long-term Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, a rolling investment programme to futureproof the
Plans for what is set to become the UK’s largest artificial intelligence data centre campus have received outline planning approval, marking a major milestone for digital infrastructure in the country. The vast scheme near Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire will transform the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield into a hyperscale technology
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has today [12 March 2026] launched the next round of public consultation on The Croydon Project, its vision to regenerate Croydon town centre and strengthen its role as a key destination in South London. Led by URW The Croydon Project will transform the Whitgift Centre, Centrale and the
AS the UK prepares for major energy efficiency works under the government’s Warm Homes Plan, refurbishment and retrofit housing specialist Lovell Renew has joined forces with Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP) to launch the Retrofit Success Guides. Alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Equans, and with the input of nearly
Prologis UK has submitted proposals for DC762, a new 762,000 sq ft rail-served distribution centre at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), as it progresses over 1 million sq ft of remaining consented capacity at the estate. DC762 forms part of three expansion plots at DIRFT, which together total 1,063,000
Engineering consultancy Arup has been appointed to carry out early-stage design and engineering work for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR), planned for the Wylfa site on Anglesey. Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) confirmed that Arup will provide early-phase foundation engineering and design support as the landmark project begins to take shape. Small modular reactors are designed to accelerate the construction of new nuclear power generation. Their smaller, factory-built components are intended to simplify construction compared with traditional nuclear plants. SMRs are also expected to play a key role in supporting intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, helping to maintain electricity supply during periods of low generation, sometimes referred to as a dunkelflaute or “dark doldrums”. They could also provide direct power connections for major industrial energy users. Plans for the Wylfa scheme were confirmed in November 2025, when GBE-N announced proposals to build three reactors at the site in Ynys Môn, Wales, using technology developed by Rolls-Royce. The project is backed by £2.5bn of UK government funding. Earlier this year, US engineering firm Amentum was selected to lead the delivery programme. It is being supported by a team including Turner & Townsend, Hochtief, Mace Consult and Unipart. Arup’s appointment brings together a group of specialist partners working on the early stages of the project. Landscape architects and master planners LDA Design are involved in shaping the wider site vision, while nuclear safety specialists TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies will provide safety expertise. Gleeds has been appointed to focus on cost engineering during the initial phases of site and infrastructure development. Simon Roddy, chief executive of GBE-N, said delivering a safe and integrated design for the UK’s first SMR would require close collaboration between engineering and technology partners. He said the project would rely on strong technical decision-making and innovation, adding that Arup and its partners would play a key role alongside GBE-N and Rolls-Royce SMR. Jeremy Stain, Arup’s nuclear business lead, said the project represented the first step towards a potential fleet of small modular reactors across the UK. He said the development aligned with national energy policy and the drive to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening energy security, with nuclear expected to remain a vital part of the future energy mix. Stain added that Arup was pleased to bring its multidisciplinary engineering expertise and local knowledge to the landmark project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PERI UK is making AI-driven custom formwork design and fabrication available to contractors nationwide, following the successful deployment of the technology on an infrastructure scheme in Warwickshire. Powered by dataform.work – the digital construction joint venture co-founded by PERI Group and DataB – the system automates the translation of 3D models into production-ready components, enabling faster, more precise, and more cost-effective delivery of complex geometries. Bespoke formwork has traditionally required extensive manual detailing, programming, and workshop time, particularly where non-standard shapes are involved. Infrastructure schemes, architecturally ambitious buildings, and high-rise projects frequently demand window and door box-outs, void formers, or freeform formwork units that are challenging to achieve using standard system components. The digital workflow enabled by DataB software significantly reduces that complexity while increasing planning reliability. It means that the process — from concept models to component production — can be carried out in less than half the time. Proven on HS2 The technology was first deployed in the UK on foundations for a footbridge along the High Speed 2 route near Coventry. The foundation design featured 13 different facets and angles, engineered to optimise structural load paths and reduce concrete consumption for a lower embodied carbon footprint. dataform.work’s automated production process enabled the precise manufacture of the complex internal void former quickly and economically, demonstrating the system’s viability for demanding infrastructure applications. The workflow starts with PERI engineers uploading a project’s 3D model into the dataform.work platform. The software automatically generates the cutting data and detailed assembly instructions for the substructure’s geometry. Components are then precision-milled from plywood using advanced 5-axis CNC machinery before being assembled in a PERI production facility and delivered to site ready for installation. The innovative joint design significantly reduces the need for screws and the use of glue altogether. As well as accelerating assembly in the warehouse, the design incorporates integrated striking elements that allow void formers for windows and doors in particular to be removed more efficiently and with reduced risk of damage. This improves the practicality of reuse in the high-rise market and helps contractors maintain programme certainty on complex pours. “Bespoke formwork has often involved significant manual input and a degree of programme uncertainty due to the level of precision that these requirements demand,” says Matt Binder, National Product Manager at PERI UK. “With our enhanced fabrication services through dataform.work, we’re able to mobilise production and respond to customer orders for void formers or multi-faceted box out units much faster. Not only have we simplified the process, but we’ve also reduced the need for remedial work by narrowing the margin for error. It’s a huge step forward for efficiency and project certainty, with production lead times measured in days rather than weeks.” dataform.work, established as a joint venture in 2025, with PERI Group and DataB each holding a 50% stake, forms part of the wider PERI initiative to integrate digitalisation and automated production into custom formwork solutions, supporting greater productivity and commercial certainty across the construction sector. Learn more about PERI and dataform.work bespoke formwork capabilities Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property consultancy MPW has broadened its services with the launch of a dedicated property and asset management arm, strengthening its ability to support clients from strategic planning through to day-to-day operational delivery. The move reflects increasing demand from property owners and regeneration partners for a more integrated approach that combines consultancy expertise with hands-on management of assets. The new division, MPW Property and Asset Management, will provide active management services for retail and mixed-use destinations. Its offer will include facilities management, financial and car park management, and strategic destination marketing designed to help revitalise town centres and commercial locations. MPW was established in Bangor, North Wales, in 2024 with a focus on delivering bilingual consultancy services and strategic guidance to shopping centre owners, local authorities and third sector organisations. The business has positioned itself as a specialist partner for high street regeneration projects across Wales and the wider UK. Founder and director Medi Parry-Williams said the expansion marks an important step in the company’s evolution, allowing it to translate strategic advice into long-term operational impact. She explained that while the consultancy had been advising clients on the future of their retail and mixed-use assets, the new arm enables MPW to remain directly involved in delivering those strategies and ensuring they continue to create commercial and community value. “We’re thrilled to be expanding the MPW Group so that we’re not only advising asset owners what they should do with their centres, we’re actively delivering and ensuring action is sustained over time,” she said. “Launching MPW Property and Asset Management allows us to bridge the gap, ensuring our strategies are implemented in a way that creates commercially viable assets while genuinely supporting the places and communities around them.” The new division has already secured its first major appointment, signing a two-year asset management agreement with the owners of the 120,000 sq ft Menai Centre in Bangor. The scheme joins a growing client portfolio that includes organisations such as RivingtonHark, Bangor City Council and Menter Môn. MPW said the expansion will allow the business to play a more direct role in shaping the long-term success of retail and mixed-use destinations, particularly as towns and city centres continue to adapt to changing consumer habits and regeneration priorities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Continuing to drive up levels of customer satisfaction is the main focus for Bellway North East’s new Head of Construction. Ben Singlewood has been appointed to the role with the housebuilder’s North East division on a permanent basis, having held the position in an interim capacity since last May. Based in the North East division’s head office in Gateshead, Ben will be responsible for sites across Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham. He believes that delivering key infrastructure at an earlier stage in the construction process has played an important part in the division improving its customer satisfaction scores – and he is determined to ensure that the buyer experience remains front and centre in his planning and decision making. Ben, 51, from Bishop Auckland, said: “We have a ‘Customer First’ policy that is part of the company ethos. This is massive for the success of the business and for customer feedback. “Ensuring that all roads and other infrastructure are finished to an adoptable standard as a development progresses ensures that customers move into a street that feels complete. Historically this work might have been done towards the end of the project, but we try to do it while we are still on site. That means we control it better and it makes it easier for people who have moved in to get around. We are judged on our scores and surveys, and we find our scores are getting better because we are doing this work as we go.” Decisions around which homes are completed and handed over to customers and when this happens also have a big impact on the customer experience. “Occupation strategies are important because we want to move people into the correct environment, especially as on a large development work may be completed over several phases, over several years, and we are still the neighbours to our customers.” Ben has been with Bellway for 21 years, having joined the company as an assistant site manager in Darlington in 2004. “Bellway is a great company to work for with good employee engagement. It’s a very inclusive and forward-thinking business,” he said. Ben became a site manager in 2011, working in Darlington, Durham and Washington. Between 2014 and 2016 he was Senior Site Manager at Stannington Park – a regeneration project on the former St Mary’s Hospital site in Stannington in Northumberland for which Ben won a prestigious Pride in the Job Quality Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC). In 2016 he became Construction Manager and in 2018 Senior Construction Manager. Major projects on the horizon include Bellway’s DH1 development to the north west of Durham, where the company is building 368 homes all fitted with sustainable air source heat pumps. The role of Head of Construction entails long-term strategic involvement not just in construction on-site but in every part of the process from land acquisition and planning to technical and sales. Ben enjoys the fast pace and problem-solving demands of the role in an industry that is constantly on the move. He said: “The one thing that is constant is change, and that’s a big appeal of the role for me. It’s a very dynamic role and I like the variety.” In some ways his motivation is the same as it was when he was a site manager. He said: “We are creating communities and I get a lot of satisfaction in turning over a good house and a good product.” To find out more about Bellway North East, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When global beauty leader L’Oréal set out to develop its new distribution centre in Auckland, New Zealand, the brief extended far beyond operational efficiency. The Dangerous Goods Store within the facility required a robust, compliant lighting solution for a Zone 2 hazardous environment, while also contributing to a sustainability ambition that would ultimately make history in New Zealand. Delivered in November 2025, the project brought together a strong collaboration team: developer James Kirkpatrick Group, architect Gravitas Consulting, builder Waide Commercial Construction, and Electrical and Lighting Consultant Electrical Consulting Services. Electrical Consulting Services, in collaboration with Techlight, was entrusted with delivering a lighting solution that would meet stringent safety, performance, and environmental benchmarks. There was only one manufacturer they wanted to partner with, Petrel. Designing for Zone 2: Safety Without Compromise The Dangerous Goods Store was classified as Zone 2, an environment where explosive gas atmospheres are not likely to occur in normal operation, and, if they do occur, will exist only for a short time. In such settings, lighting is not merely functional; it is critical infrastructure. To address this, 73No Petrel ALED4/G/Z2/156E luminaires were installed as high-bay fittings, illuminating aisles and open warehouse areas with powerful, consistent light output. These fixtures are engineered specifically for hazardous locations, providing the necessary ingress protection, durability and compliance for Zone 2 applications. Their robust construction ensures long-term reliability while minimising maintenance requirements, an essential consideration in environments handling dangerous goods. Complementing the general lighting, 12No Petrel 9LED5700/EM units were deployed to provide emergency illumination across aisles and open areas. In any hazardous facility, emergency lighting must operate seamlessly in the event of power failure, ensuring safe evacuation and maintaining visibility during critical incidents. The integration of dedicated emergency luminaires reinforces the project’s uncompromising approach to safety. Supporting a 6-Star Green Star Milestone While safety and compliance were paramount, sustainability remained central to the project vision. The distribution centre has achieved New Zealand’s first-ever 6-Star Green Star Design Certified rating, the highest possible rating awarded by the New Zealand Green Building Council. This world-leading certification represents excellence in sustainable design and places the facility at the forefront of environmentally responsible industrial development in New Zealand. Commenting on the project, Stuart Head, Technical and Certification Manager at Petrel Ltd said “Lighting is central to Green Star performance, influencing energy use, operational carbon and overall environmental quality. By combining high-performance LEDs with precise optical control, the L’Oréal Dangerous Goods Store achieves lower emissions, reduced energy demand and safer working conditions. Petrel is proud to have supported the delivery of this award-winning outcome.” By combining hazardous-area compliance with energy-efficient design, Petrel’s solution demonstrates that performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive; they are mutually reinforcing. Collaboration Driving Innovation Projects of this calibre depend on close collaboration between stakeholders. Early engagement with the end user, developer, design consultants and construction team ensured that lighting specifications aligned seamlessly with architectural intent, structural constraints, electrical and fire suppression infrastructure. The result is a facility that not only meets stringent hazardous-area standards but also aligns with global best practice in sustainable industrial design. Techlight’s National Sales Manager, Pierre Abrahamse, said: “The L’Oréal Dangerous Goods Store project sets a new benchmark, demonstrating how specialist lighting capability can drive both operational excellence and environmental leadership. Credit goes to the team at Petrel for their skill, commitment and genuine passion for the sector.” In an era where supply chain infrastructure must be safer, smarter and greener, this Auckland facility sets a new global standard. Through thoughtful design, precision engineering and collaborative delivery, it proves that even the most technically demanding environments can achieve world-class sustainability outcomes. To learn more about this story and the products featured, please visit Petrel’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide Platforms has supported construction works at one of the world’s most remote research facilities, supplying specialist powered access equipment to BAM UK&I at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. The work forms part of the British Antarctic Survey’s long-term Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, a rolling investment programme to futureproof the UK’s polar research capabilities. At Rothera, BAM UK&I has delivered a series of major upgrades, including the new Discovery Building, runway improvements and redevelopment of the station’s wharf to accommodate the polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough. To support internal construction works, Nationwide Platforms supplied four scissor lifts with minimal environmental footprint for installation work within the Discovery Building. Operating in Antarctica presents a unique combination of logistical, environmental and operational challenges. Machinery must function reliably in sub-zero temperatures and high winds, while also meeting strict environmental protection standards and working within limited on-site power capacity. Within the Discovery Building itself, narrow corridors and sensitive early-stage infrastructure require low-emission, compact equipment capable of predictable, controlled operation. Working closely with BAM UK&I, Nationwide Platforms supplied Dingli JCPT0807PA hydraulic-oil free electric scissor lifts. The machines were delivered in standard ISO containers and supported with on-site spares to minimise the need for additional imports or external technical support. Despite the challenges of battery performance in extreme cold, the electric units remained in daily use through careful battery management, while their low power draw helped reduce demand on Rothera’s diesel-generated energy supply. The oil-free configuration also eliminated the risk of hydraulic leaks, supporting compliance with the stringent environmental protocols enforced by the British Antarctic Survey. Matt Parfitt, Head of Market Development at Nationwide Platforms, said, “With proven reliability in a region where margin for error is minimal, the JCPT0807PA has demonstrated the value of compact, oil-free, electric access machinery in enabling safe, low-impact progress at one of the world’s most challenging and extraordinary construction sites.” Johannes Smit, Construction Manager at BAM UK&I, said: “Working in Antarctica demands a level of planning and precision unlike any other environment. Every piece of equipment must justify its place on site, not only in terms of performance, but in sustainability, reliability and ease of maintenance. The compact, oil-free scissor lifts supplied by Nationwide Platforms have been invaluable in supporting safe, efficient progress within the Discovery Building, helping our teams deliver critical works while protecting the unique Antarctic environment.” As the Rothera modernisation programme continues, Nationwide Platforms and BAM UK&I remain in ongoing collaboration to support future phases of construction, including further infrastructure and renewable energy upgrades at the station. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for what is set to become the UK’s largest artificial intelligence data centre campus have received outline planning approval, marking a major milestone for digital infrastructure in the country. The vast scheme near Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire will transform the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield into a hyperscale technology campus capable of supporting the rapidly growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing services. The development, known as Elsham Tech Park, would deliver more than 1.5 million square metres of data centre floorspace spread across 15 data halls. Once completed, the campus is expected to support up to 1,000MW of IT load, placing it among the most ambitious digital infrastructure projects ever proposed in the UK. The project is being brought forward by Elsham Tech Park Ltd, a company established specifically to deliver the scheme and overseen by planning and infrastructure specialist Greystoke. The proposals cover a 176-hectare site and include a significant supporting energy infrastructure to power the facility. At the heart of the masterplan is a new energy centre capable of generating up to 49.9MW on site, alongside substations, battery energy storage systems, district heating infrastructure and additional flexible commercial space. A distinctive element of the project is the inclusion of energy-efficient greenhouse agriculture facilities. These would reuse excess heat generated by the data halls to support food production, creating a more circular approach to energy use and sustainability. The scale of the development is expected to generate significant economic activity during construction. A 10-year build programme has been outlined, with estimates suggesting the project could support between 2,600 and 3,600 full-time equivalent construction jobs each year across the supply chain. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in 2027, with the first phase of the campus targeted to open in 2029. Buildings across the site would range between 7m and 23m in height. Extensive landscape bunds reaching up to 10m high, together with new woodland planting, are proposed to reduce visual impact and integrate the campus into the surrounding countryside. The scheme will also feature a central spine road connecting all 15 development zones, each capable of being delivered independently. A new primary access route will link the campus to the nearby industrial estate. If completed, Elsham Tech Park would place Lincolnshire at the forefront of the UK’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence and cloud computing sector, creating a major new hub for digital infrastructure and technology investment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has today [12 March 2026] launched the next round of public consultation on The Croydon Project, its vision to regenerate Croydon town centre and strengthen its role as a key destination in South London. Led by URW The Croydon Project will transform the Whitgift Centre, Centrale and the iconic Allders building, alongside surrounding areas on North End, into a vibrant mixed-use destination with new homes, public spaces, shops, restaurants and leisure uses. The evolving masterplan outlines how Croydon town centre could be transformed into a modern mixed-use destination, combining new homes with a stronger retail, leisure and cultural offer that keeps the town centre active throughout the day and evening. As part of the proposals, the project aims to deliver: The revitalisation of the historic Allders building The latest proposals also respond directly to feedback received during earlier consultations, including calls for greener public spaces, improved accessibility, more cultural and leisure activities, and the protection and reuse of Croydon’s historic buildings. The consultation will give residents, businesses and visitors the opportunity to review the latest masterplan ideas and provide feedback on how the project can best meet the needs of Croydon’s communities. As part of the consultation, the project team will host a series of pop-up events across Croydon where local people can learn more about the proposals and share their views directly with the team. The pop-up events will take place at: (weather dependent) Progress is already underway on the project. New shops and restaurants have opened at Allders Parade, refurbishment of shops along North End is continuing and a planning application for improvements to Centrale was submitted earlier this year. Adam Smith, Strategic Development Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “The Croydon Project aims to reimagine Croydon town centre and restore its role as the economic and creative capital of South London. Our ambition is to create a thriving mixed-use destination with new homes, public spaces and a vibrant mix of retail, leisure and cultural activity that reflects Croydon’s energy and creativity. This long-term regeneration will bring new life and investment to the heart of the town centre. Community feedback will remain central, with this next round of consultation giving local people the chance to help shape the evolving masterplan.” Residents and businesses can also view the proposals and provide feedback online at TheCroydonProject.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AS the UK prepares for major energy efficiency works under the government’s Warm Homes Plan, refurbishment and retrofit housing specialist Lovell Renew has joined forces with Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP) to launch the Retrofit Success Guides. Alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Equans, and with the input of nearly 100 experts and 70 organisations, this invaluable expertise has been distilled into a practical blueprint for housing providers, local authorities and the supply chain. Moving away from high-level policy, this new eight-part suite of resources has been designed to be a manual for delivery and support the drive towards net zero. This includes community and resident engagement, data use, workforce development, area-based planning, financing, governance and procurement. Having spent decades on the frontline of retrofit design and delivery, as well as working within long term partnerships in the public sector, the involvement from Lovell was crucial to understanding how to navigate the sector. This includes acknowledging the challenges that often stall retrofit projects and how to overcome them – from resident trust and data integrity to the chronic skills gap and complex financing. Carl Yale, regional managing director for Lovell Renew Central, said: “After many years, numerous partnerships and thousands of homes made better, safer, warmer, and healthier, we have built up a deep understanding for what this work entails and how critical it is in boosting resident comfort, health and wellbeing. With the Warm Homes Plan on the horizon, the sector is facing an important moment when retrofit needs be front and centre – but it also needs support in understanding best practice and how to ensure successful delivery. “This will require collaboration and commitment to ensure that projects are done with insight, integrity and always with the residents at heart. We are proud to have been involved in the development of these guides and hope it will help to shape the future of this crucial specialist sector.” Ellie Horwitch-Smith, chair of SHAP board and assistant director, Route to Net Zero, Birmingham City Council, said: “The Retrofit Success Guides show what’s possible when expertise from across the sector is brought together with a shared ambition to do things better. The guides are founded on the realities of delivery and offer a practical foundation for anyone serious about scaling retrofit with quality, integrity, and real impact for people and place.” Rob Johnson, head of delivery for Building Retrofit at West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands Combined Authority is proud to be at the forefront of driving change in retrofit delivery through devolved funding and local leadership. The Retrofit Success Guides are an essential resource born from collaboration across the sector and grounded in the first-hand experience of those delivering retrofit or experiencing its impact. They represent a shared commitment to innovation, high standards, and putting residents at the heart of every programme.” Unlike traditional technical papers, the guides are designed for action. They arrive at a time when fuel poverty and energy security are at the top of the national agenda. By making these resources free to access, it removes the barriers to entry for smaller housing providers and local councils who are often left to navigate this alone. To find out more and download the guides, visit: https://shap.uk.com/retrofit-success/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK has submitted proposals for DC762, a new 762,000 sq ft rail-served distribution centre at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), as it progresses over 1 million sq ft of remaining consented capacity at the estate. DC762 forms part of three expansion plots at DIRFT, which together total 1,063,000 sq ft. Two further units, measuring 158,000 sq ft and 265,000 sq ft respectively, are planned for submission in the coming weeks. The proposals follow a sustained increase in customer enquiries at DIRFT with retailers, third-party logistics providers and e-commerce businesses seeking centrally located platforms with multimodal connectivity. The submission for DC762 relates to Plot F in the eastern part of DIRFT III and sits within the site’s Development Consent Order, providing a clear and established planning route to delivery. Scale and specification Designed to meet the demands of modern logistics, DC762 will deliver an 18m clear internal height. The cross-docked building will include 114 dock doors and 11 level access doors on east and west elevations. Infrastructure proposals include a new access road, 233 trailer spaces, 590 space car park and 144 cycle spaces. The building will target BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings and feature a 700kWp rooftop solar PV system, capable of generating enough electricity annually to power approximately 200 UK homes. Design and landscape DC762 will adopt a contemporary architectural approach in keeping with recent developments by Prologis at DIRFT, continuing to raise the bar for logistics design. Full-height glazing and a south west-facing external balcony accessible from the first-floor offices will strengthen the connection between internal and external environments. Extensive landscaping aims to provide employees and visitors with spaces to relax and connect with nature. Proposals include extensive planting of woodlands, hedgerows, grassland and bulbs to enhance biodiversity and create seasonal interest. Progress at scale Over the past six months, DIRFT has secured a series of major commitments, including M&S Food’s 1.3 million sq ft national distribution centre and XPO’s national chilled palletised logistics hub for Arla Foods. More recently, e-commerce homeware brand Laura James confirmed a 217,785 sq ft build-to-suit facility at the estate. DC762 follows full consent being granted for DC613, a 613,000 sq ft unit at DIRFT ready for fast-track occupation, with groundworks and power connection in place. Construction of DC107, a speculative 107,000 sq ft development, commenced in January and is scheduled for completion in Q3 2026. James Hemstock, Capital Deployment Director at Prologis UK, said: “Enquiries for plots at DIRFT have increased as customers prioritise scale, connectivity and long-term certainty. Progressing these developments now ensures that capacity is available to meet sustained demand in the Midlands. DIRFT continues to demonstrate the strength of rail-connected logistics infrastructure as a long-term platform for UK supply chains.” Prologis continues to work with Government and West Northamptonshire Council to support the long-term evolution of its rail-served logistics platform at DIRFT. The estate’s direct rail connection supports a shift from road transport, reinforcing its role in delivering resilient, lower-carbon supply chains. DIRFT supports more than 10,000 jobs and generated £219 million in annual GVA in 2023/24, alongside £13.1 million in business rates contributions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals