Arla Foods and XPO Logistics to launch distribution centre, centralising UK chilled operations by late 2027 Arla Foods, the UK’s largest dairy cooperative, and XPO Logistics, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end supply chain solutions across Europe, today announce a further extension of their strategic partnership. This new chapter will transform Arla’s chilled network – creating a future-ready, more efficient, resilient, safe and sustainable operation – through a new leading UK central distribution centre (CDC) that will handle all Arla’s UK chilled palletised products*. Currently under development at Prologis RFI DIRFT in Northamptonshire, UK, the new facility will bring Arla’s chilled dairy products, such as cheese, butter and yoghurts, into a single, centralised location. The move will strengthen Arla’s supply chain resilience, reduce road miles, and support more efficient distribution across the UK. XPO Logistics is project managing the delivery of the CDC and will operate the site from late 2027, when it becomes operational. As part of a long-term partnership model, XPO Logistics is supporting Arla Foods beyond day-to-day operations, bringing expertise in transformation, automation and scalable operating design. The new CDC illustrates how XPO Logistics works with major brands to build future-ready supply chains. XPO Logistics’ investment in state‑of‑the‑art automation will create skilled warehousing roles in the region, including automation operations, maintenance, quality, inventory control, and safety. Appropriate training and upskilling for advanced automation will be provided by XPO Logistics as part of the recruitment and onboarding process. Fran Ball, SVP UK Supply Chain for Arla Foods UK, comments: “Consolidating our chilled pallet operations into a single, advanced facility in Northamptonshire is a strategic leap forward for Arla. By partnering with XPO Logistics and Prologis, we are improving the resilience of a critical part of our supply chain and making meaningful progress on reducing waste and road miles.” Dan Myers, Senior Vice President, Dedicated Supply Chain – Europe, XPO Logistics, said: “Arla stands for quality; their products are loved and trusted by every household in the UK. This future-ready CDC will play a key role in ensuring that Arla continues to deliver great products whilst improving the resilience, sustainability, and efficiency of its supply chain. Working together, we’re driving positive strategic change which will support Arla’s business to continue to prosper today and tomorrow.” Phil Oakley, SVP, Prologis UK, said: “Partnerships and developments like this play an important role in creating long term economic value for West Northamptonshire, helping to attract investment and underpin jobs across the region. At Prologis RFI DIRFT, we’ve built a community with the capacity and skills to support high-performing logistics operations like this one, and we look forward to supporting Arla and XPO as the project moves forward.” Today’s announcement follows the €107.7m (£90m) investment at Arla Lockerbie to create a UHT and lactose-free milk centre of excellence. This builds on more than €355m of UK investments announced in 2024 across five sites, underpinning Arla’s growth and continued support for UK manufacturing and the future of British dairy. Speaking about Arla’s support for British dairy, Bas Padberg, managing director, Arla Foods UK, said: “Today’s announcement further signals our commitment to driving change in the UK, and supporting the future of British dairy. The UK food sector has a vital role in public health, and we’re committed to delivering nutritious, affordable dairy for more people – this is another important step forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Benniman has been appointed to deliver the final phase of development at Indurent Park Longbridge West, completing the long-running transformation of the former MG Rover car plant in Birmingham into a major industrial and logistics hub. The final construction package will see the delivery of approximately 380,000 sq ft of new industrial and logistics accommodation, arranged across 13 units ranging in size from 12,000 sq ft to 115,000 sq ft. The scheme is designed to appeal to a broad range of occupiers, including advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution businesses, strengthening Longbridge’s position as a key employment location in the West Midlands. The project represents a significant milestone in the regeneration of the historic brownfield site, which has been redeveloped in phases following the closure of the MG Rover plant. Benniman’s appointment reflects its growing reputation for delivering complex industrial schemes and its established working relationship with developer Indurent. Sustainability is a central focus of the development, with all buildings designed to meet high environmental performance standards. The units are targeting BREEAM Excellent certification alongside EPC ratings of A and A+, aligning with occupier demand for energy-efficient, future-ready facilities and supporting wider decarbonisation goals across the industrial sector. Paul Barfoot, director at Benniman, said the company was pleased to be delivering the final phase of the Longbridge scheme and building on a strong partnership with Indurent. He highlighted the shared commitment to quality and long-term value, adding that the development would provide modern, sustainable space capable of supporting regional growth for many years to come. The appointment further strengthens Benniman’s pipeline of work with Indurent, following its involvement at Indurent Park Gloucester and phase one of Indurent Park Lichfield in Staffordshire. Across the three developments, Benniman will have delivered more than one million sq ft of new industrial and logistics space. As demand for high-quality industrial accommodation continues to rise, Benniman’s latest contract underlines its role in supporting large-scale regeneration projects and delivering modern logistics infrastructure across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has exceeded social value targets in its delivery of the second phase of Prologis Park at Beddington Lane in Croydon, South London.  In alignment with real estate logistics provider Prologis’ Social Value Charter, Winvic implemented a robust Employment and Skills Plan in collaboration with Sutton Council, Sutton and District Training, and the South London Careers Hub.   The contractor surpassed its Section 106 Employment and Skills commitments, delivering high-impact social value initiatives as part of its partnership with Prologis and the London Borough of Sutton.  The expansion of Prologis Park Beddington Lane comprises of four low-carbon logistics units totalling over 110,640 sq. ft, including 97,105 sq. ft of warehouse space and 13,535 sq. ft of modern office facilities built to BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings.  Winvic surpassed extensive training and skills targets, hosting 11 work insight sessions (83% above target) and seven site visits.   Work insight sessions included six engagement with students from Sutton and District Training, helping to raise awareness of construction careers and skills pathways, and two tailored construction and sensory sessions for SEN learners at Greenholm School, offering an inclusive and engaging experience and engaging for young people with additional learning needs.   Further activities included supporting a speed networking event at Harris Academy Sutton, where students interviewed members of the site team, and providing an employer talk as part of a site visit with representatives from London Borough of Sutton Council, to the same school. This led to one of the students completing a work experience placement with Winvic. In addition, mock interviews were delivered at Greenshaw School, helping Year 12 students prepare for future employment.  Winvic coordinated apprenticeships and work placements, including a local Civil Engineering apprentice who was recruited directly onto the Beddington Lane site and continues to train with Winvic on another project. Another local Civil Engineering apprentice, engaged through shared apprenticeship provider Co-Train, successfully gained employment with Winvic to continue her apprenticeship.   Winvic’s social value activities extended to supporting charity and community sector organisations including social enterprise Hey Girls, site signage provider Nuneaton Signs, who provide employment for people with disabilities , and the Daniel Baird Foundation, a charity which provides publicly accessible bleeding control packs for stab victims, with Winvic donating a pack for the local community.  Emma Alderman, Senior Social Responsibility Manager at Winvic, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Beddington Lane. Our goal was not just to meet the extensive targets but to do so in a meaningful way. By working closely with Sutton and District Training, local schools, and shared apprenticeship providers, we’ve delivered a wide range of impactful opportunities that reflect our long-term commitment to social value.”  Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial, Logistics & Data Centres at Winvic, said: “Beddington Lane Phase 2 is a great example of delivering not only sustainable, high-quality logistics units, but also long-lasting benefits for the local community. We’re pleased to be building on our long-standing relationship with Prologis with whom we share many of our core values. The team’s passion for engaging with local learners and creating real employment pathways has been wonderful to watch. I’m incredibly proud of our results and how we’ve embedded social value into the very fabric of this project, making a difference to people’s lives and the community.”  Tim Burn, Director – Development Management at Prologis UK, added “Projects like Prologis Park Beddington Lane show how we bring our Social Value Charter to life on the ground. Working with partners such as Winvic, local authorities and education providers allows us to create opportunities that have a lasting impact on people and communities, not just buildings. We are proud of what has been achieved at Beddington Lane and of the positive legacy it is creating locally.”  Recognising the quality and impact of the social value work, Beddington Lane has been awarded a Silver National Site Award by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, achieving an exceptional 44 out of 45 score, including a best practice point.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Clowes Developments is progressing a major multi-million-pound redevelopment at Harrier Park in Hucknall, with extensive site preparation and enabling works now well advanced on the landmark brownfield site. The site, historically linked to the development of the Harrier Jump Jet and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation to unlock up to 500,000 sq ft of modern industrial and warehouse accommodation. The project represents a key early phase in Clowes Developments’ long-term vision to bring forward high-quality employment space in the area. Lead contractor TanRo is delivering the works, which include land remediation, bulk earthworks and major infrastructure upgrades across two development plots. According to Clowes Developments, remediation works are nearing completion, with more than 90 per cent of the overall programme now finished and practical completion anticipated by the end of January. On plot one, a 134-metre retaining wall has been fully installed, alongside the completion of major storm drainage works and high-voltage diversion ducting. Existing surfacing and underground obstructions have been removed, while the formation of the future access road is in place. Bulk earthworks are largely complete, with only minor activity remaining. Plot two has also seen strong progress, with storm drainage diversion completed and earthworks approaching completion. Despite encountering unforeseen underground features and other technical challenges, the project team has successfully re-sequenced works to avoid any material impact on the programme. A notable achievement included the installation of a new manhole connection into the existing storm drainage network on Dorey Way, completed over a four-week period while maintaining a live traffic lane. Clowes Developments worked closely with Ashfield District Council and specialist advisors Pegasus Group to manage heritage considerations relating to unlisted buildings, enabling works to continue without delay. The site is being jointly marketed by FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, with consent in place for units ranging from 64,000 sq ft to 117,000 sq ft. Agents report strong early interest from national occupiers, with both plots expected to be construction-ready by the end of January. This would allow occupiers to be operational before the end of the year, supported by a swift 36-week construction programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Firethorn has acquired a 17-acre site situated on the A41 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, from Taylor Wimpey with plans to deliver a new, best-in-class mid-box logistics development. The land forms the employment element of Taylor Wimpey’s residential-led development at Hampden Fields, and benefits from outline consent for up to 314,000 sq ft of employment use. Firethorn plans to invest £50m in the developmentand engage with the Local Authority planning team and local stakeholders to progress reserved matters planning consent, with speculative development anticipated to commence in mid-2027. Following its recent purchase of a 10-acre site in Maidenhead, and with further transactions under offer, this acquisition demonstrates Firethorn’s continued commitment to the UK I&L sector. James Sanders, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Firethorn, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Taylor Wimpey team and consultants on a site that we’re excited to bring forward. The development presents an compelling opportunity for occupiers, who continue to be displaced by affordability constraints of nearby markets. With excellent connectivity and Grade A product, we expect the project will allow us to address a gap for future customers and look forward to moving into the delivery phase. “The site complements our recent acquisition in Maidenhead and we hope, with further announcements to come, our logistics portfolio will continue to grow, suiting occupier requirements across different sizes and geographies. This reflects our focus on pursuing strategic opportunities in well-connected locations with strong fundamentals across the UK.” Henry Pauncefort-Duncombe, Head of Strategic Land at Kirkby Diamond (now part of Eddisons), who acted on behalf of Taylor Wimpey alongside Alex Jenden, said: “We are delighted to have advised on the sale of this significant 17-acre site in Aylesbury, working alongside joint agents Bidwells. Kirkby Diamond has been involved with the site at Hampden Fields for over 20 years, so it is particularly rewarding to see it move into its next phase. This is a major transaction for the region and, once complete, we expect the best-in-class development to attract strong interest from a wide range of occupiers, ultimately delivering substantial employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits for the local area.” Located south-east of Aylesbury, the site provides direct access to the A41 dual carriageway offering connectivity to the M40 and M25, which are both within 20 miles. Firethorn was advised by Cushman & Wakefield, Taylor Wimpey was advised by Kirkby Diamond (now Eddisons). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Henry Boot has secured outline planning consent for a major 5.5m sq ft industrial and logistics scheme in Goole, marking a significant boost for manufacturing and distribution across the Humber region. The development, known as FREEPORT 36, is being brought forward by Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in partnership with landowner St John’s College, Cambridge. The approval clears the way for the creation of a 300-acre industrial and manufacturing park capable of accommodating a wide range of occupiers. Plans provide flexibility for buildings ranging in size from 40,000 sq ft to more than 1m sq ft, enabling the scheme to cater for advanced manufacturing, logistics and large-scale industrial users. Detailed proposals will now be prepared, with the development team targeting a start on site before the end of the year. Once fully built out, FREEPORT 36 is expected to support around 3,000 jobs in Goole itself and approximately 5,500 jobs across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region, delivering a substantial economic uplift. The site benefits from a highly strategic location adjacent to Junction 36 of the M62, offering direct access to Goole Docks, the M18 and the wider Humber Ports complex. This connectivity is expected to be a major draw for occupiers seeking efficient national and international supply chain links. FREEPORT 36 forms part of the Humber Freeport Goole tax site, which has been formally designated following approval from HM Treasury and HMRC. As a result, occupiers will be able to benefit from a range of freeport incentives designed to support long-term investment and growth. Tim Roberts, chief executive of Henry Boot, said the scheme will play a key role in supporting the expansion of manufacturing and logistics across Yorkshire, adding that freeport status further strengthens the location’s appeal to occupiers looking for scale, connectivity and long-term certainty. With outline consent now in place, the project is set to move into its next phase as one of the largest industrial developments in the north of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Following Clowes Developments acquisition of the 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, work has commenced on an extensive multi-million-pound programme of site preparation and enabling works to prepare the historic location for its next chapter as a major commercial hub. The brownfield site, formerly associated with the development of the iconic Harrier “Jump Jet” and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation. Drawing on its proud engineering heritage, Harrier Park is benefiting from substantial investment to remediate the land and deliver up to 500,000 sq ft of high-quality modern industrial and warehouse space. Located on the outskirts of Nottingham in a prime East Midlands location, future occupiers will join established neighbours, including RM Resources, which currently occupies a 200,000 sq ft facility on the site. The extensive preparation and enabling works are being delivered by lead contractor TanRo and represent the first major phase of investment within Clowes Developments’ long-term strategy for Harrier Park. Remediation works are nearing completion, with the majority of key groundworks successfully finished across both Plot 1 and Plot 2. Overall progress has exceeded 90%, with practical completion anticipated at the end of January. On Plot 1, substantial progress has been achieved. A 134-metre retaining wall has been fully installed, comprising 64 steel columns and 127 concrete infill panels. Major storm drainage works and high-voltage diversion ducting are complete, while all existing surfacing and underground obstructions have been removed. The formation of the future access road is in place, and bulk earthworks are largely complete, with only minor works remaining. Plot 2 has also seen significant advancement. The storm drainage diversion has been completed, and a screening bund to the south of Plot 2D has been formed. Bulk earthworks are nearing completion, with only small sections remaining to achieve plateau levels. Despite encountering several challenges, the project team has successfully managed them with no material impact on the overall programme. A key achievement was the connection of a new manhole into the existing storm drainage network on Dorey Way, delivered over a four-week period while maintaining a live traffic lane throughout. Furthermore, the discovery of previously unknown underground features required careful re-sequencing of works. This was effectively managed through close collaboration with the local authority, Ashfield District Council, and specialist advisors Pegasus Group, who undertook a programme of building recording for the unlisted buildings, enabling works to proceed without delay. Clowes Developments is working in partnership with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site. The site has permission for units ranging from 64,000 sq ft to 117,000 sq ft. Units can be combined (subject to planning) should occupiers need a bigger footprint, and they are available on both freehold and leasehold design-and-build bases. For further information, please contact Tim Gilbertson, tim@fhp.co.uk at FHP Property Consultants or Rob Champion, rob.champion@fishergerman.co.uk at Fisher German. Agents, Tim Gilbertson and Rob Champion, commented: “The very early signs for 2026 are promising, the phone is ringing and enquiries are coming in from national operators looking to invest in the area, delivering significant economic benefits, including job creation. We are now progressing these discussions and look forward to bringing the site forward for construction, supported by a swift 36-week delivery programme. To put this into context, both plots will be construction-ready by the end of January, meaning occupiers could be operational in their units before the end of the year an exceptional turnaround for both freehold and leasehold occupiers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Prologis to deliver a new national distribution centre for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Spanning 1.3 million sq ft, the scheme represents a £340 million investment in M&S’s food supply chain and forms a key part of the company’s strategy to double the size of its food business. The development combines temperature-controlled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space. Over the 52-week build programme, Winvic will construct two Low Carbon single-storey warehouses which include multi-storey office accommodation, a security hub linked via a pedestrian bridge and Vehicle Maintenance Unit. Infrastructure works comprise an intensive soil nailing to strengthen the embankment to the M1, earthworks, access roads, footpaths and a bridleway bridge. External works include a gatehouse, service yards, HGV and car parking spaces, hardstanding’s drainage and landscaping. On completion, the new facility will be fully electric, with embodied carbon reduced and assessed through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in line with RICS Whole Life Carbon Methodology Edition 2 and the UKGBC Framework Definition.  The building is expected to be the largest in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification while also targeting an EPC A+ rating. Sustainable features include a large-scale rooftop photovoltaic array, EV charging, energy-saving technologies that will further reduce annual operational emissions and extensive use of recycled materials. In alignment with Prologis’ Social Value Charter and the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) framework, Winvic is delivering an Employment and Skills Plan designed to create meaningful opportunities and a positive impact in the local community. Winvic is working with Prologis on a National Construction Skills Programme, in partnership with Northampton-based social enterprise Goodwill Solutions, to support individuals facing challenges to develop skills and gain sustainable employment. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Data Centres at Winvic, said: ‘Winvic is well placed to deliver large-scale projects that expand our temperature controlled and cold store portfolio. Being selected by our long-standing client Prologis as the construction partner on this landmark distribution facility is a significant achievement for the Winvic team. “Our experience in delivering complex large-scale industrial and logistics projects that are designed to meet the highest sustainability standards positions us perfectly to deliver this industry-leading facility for M&S. It’s a special project due to its Low Carbon in Construction credentials and BREEAM Outstanding target and we’re utilising a stage 2 Building Information Model (BIM) to its full potential to assist with this goal.” This latest milestone takes Prologis’ leased or committed space at DIRFT to over 75%, reinforcing the site’s role as one of the UK’s most mature intermodal logistics hubs. The scheme is expected to support over 2,000 jobs, with approximately 1,000 permanent roles once operational, covering driving, logistics, and more technical roles such as automation technicians. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “Prologis is pleased to have appointed Winvic as our construction partner to deliver this complex large-scale logistics projects designed to meet the highest environmental standards. This development enables a future-fit supply chain for M&S and brings lasting economic value to the Midlands — through skilled jobs, resilient infrastructure and investment in one of the UK’s most important logistics locations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Developer Fiera Real Estate has formed a major joint venture with the Universities Superannuation Scheme to launch a new UK-focused industrial development platform. The partnership will see USS commit around £500m to the venture, which has been established with an initial five-year term. The joint venture will target individual acquisitions of up to £50m, focusing on the development of prime small-to-mid-box industrial assets in strategically located urban markets across the UK. The platform will be managed by Chris Button, head of investment management for Europe at Fiera Real Estate, and will concentrate on brownfield and established employment sites. The ambition is to deliver multi-let urban industrial schemes of up to 250,000 sq ft that respond to strong occupier demand for modern, well-located space. Fiera Real Estate said the joint venture will draw on its operating partner model and its track record in delivering ground-up development projects, with the aim of building a market-leading logistics portfolio. Sustainability will be a central theme, with schemes designed to meet high ESG standards and align with the evolving priorities of occupiers. Charlie Allen, head of European real estate at Fiera Real Estate, said the platform is intended to address demand for contemporary industrial assets that support sustainability objectives, improve supply-chain resilience and enhance carbon performance. He added that favourable market dynamics, pricing conditions and the continued digitalisation of the economy underpin the long-term investment case for UK logistics and urban industrial property. Alex Turner, head of property at Universities Superannuation Scheme, said the partnership builds on USS’s established presence in the industrial sector. He noted that the scheme already has a £1.5bn industrial portfolio and brings deep sector expertise to the venture. The joint venture is already progressing, with two prime sites under offer in South East England. Together, the schemes are expected to deliver a combined gross development value in excess of £100m. While financial terms have not been formally disclosed, the partnership signals continued confidence in the UK industrial and logistics market, particularly in well-connected urban locations where supply remains constrained. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals