Winvic Construction has begun work on a 250,000 sq ft warehouse development at Coton Park in Rugby for Newlands Developments, deploying innovative enabling works to tackle complex site conditions. The 60-week programme marks Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the contractor previously delivered two units on plots 2 and 3. This prior experience of the site’s infrastructure is expected to play a key role in the successful delivery of the latest phase. The single-storey facility will incorporate 15,000 sq ft of office space and will be built using a structural steel, multi-span portal frame, with a clear internal height of 15 metres. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC rating of A/A+, underlining its sustainability credentials. One of the most significant enabling works undertaken so far has been the installation of a 34-metre ex-Ministry of Defence tank bridge to span a 457mm high-pressure gas main. The 350-tonne crane lift was a critical step in providing safe access to the development site. To further mitigate the risks posed by the gas infrastructure, Winvic is also constructing a Filcor (polystyrene) road to wrap around a 54-metre-long culvert measuring 4m by 2m. Traditional construction techniques such as cement and compacted fill were deemed unsuitable, as the imposed loads would have compromised the gas main. Winvic is working closely with Cadent Gas to ensure that the solutions not only protect the integrity of the utility but also safeguard operatives during construction. Danny Nelson, managing director of industrial, distribution and logistics at Winvic, commented:“Working with partners, our solution to overcome the complex challenges of this site brought by the gas main highlights our commitment to safety and a collaborative culture.” The project reflects both the scale and complexity of modern warehouse development, where careful planning, innovative engineering and collaboration with infrastructure stakeholders are essential to delivering facilities that meet occupier and sustainability demands. 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 commenced works on a new state-of-the-art warehouse facility at Coton Park in Rugby, celebrating with an official groundbreaking ceremony. On behalf of Newlands Developments, Winvic has started the 60-week build programme to deliver a 250,000 sq ft single-storey warehouse at the strategically located industrial park, which sits within the UK Golden Triangle of logistics. This project sees Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the company previously delivered two distribution and logistics units on plots 2 and 3, bringing existing knowledge of the site’s infrastructure to support the successful delivery of the latest phase. The new facility will include 15,000 sq ft of office accommodation and will consist of a structural steel, multi-span portal frame with a height of 15 metres and will target a BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC rating of A/A+. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by representatives from Winvic and Newlands Developments marked a key milestone and highlighted Winvic’s agility and capability in overcoming complex site challenges early in the programme. As part of the infrastructure and enabling works, Winvic used a 350-tonne crane to install a 34-metre ex Ministry of Defence tank bridge, to span a 457 mm high-pressure gas main. This was a critical element of the works to enable access onto the site which requires crossing the major utility. To further progress works, Winvic is constructing a Filcor (polystyrene) road that will wrap around a 54-metre-long 4m x 2m culvert. Traditional construction methods such as cement and compacted fill were not viable due to the loadings imposed onto the gas main. Winvic and Cadent Gas are working together to develop and implement this solution to ensure the integrity of the gas infrastructure and safety of operatives working on site. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics at Winvic, said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Newlands Developments to deliver this at Coton Park, Rugby. “Working with partners, our solution to overcome the complex challenges of this site brought by the gas main, highlights our commitment to safety and a collaborative culture. Marking the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony is always a proud moment, and we now look forward to delivering a high-quality facility that meets our client’s needs and supports continued growth in this key logistics location.” Coton Park is located 3.7 miles from junction 19 of the M1 and fronts the M6, giving direct connectivity to Coventry and Birmingham and other major routes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Harworth Group plc, a leading land and property regenerator of sustainable developments, and Broxtowe Borough Council are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of 13,680 sq ft of Industrial & Logistics (‘I&L’) employment space designed for start-ups and SMEs. The development, at Bennerley in Nottinghamshire, is funded by Kimberley Means Business, a funding facility from the UK Government1. Harworth will deliver five I&L units across two buildings, on behalf of Broxtowe Borough Council, under a forward funding agreement. The appointed design and build contractor is Britcon. The occasion was marked at a recent groundbreaking ceremony, attended by members of the Harworth team alongside members and officers of Broxtowe Borough Council and Kimberley Town Council. The project received planning permission in February 2025, and the buildings are due to complete in 2026, with BREEAM ‘Very Good’ accreditation and will meet the Council’s Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. Additional amenities will include the creation of a new access road, serving both the employment scheme and Friends of Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre, alongside landscaping to improve connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from Shilo Way into the site. The employment units form part of the wider transformation of the former Bennerley Coal Disposal Point and surrounding land, with the potential to deliver up to 1.8 million sq ft of employment space, when complete, creating around 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs once fully operational. Stuart Ashton, Head of Strategic Planning at Harworth Group, commented: “The creation of these five units will provide much needed employment space for start-ups and SMEs, supporting early-stage business growth in the area. This marks an important milestone in the transformation of Bennerley, with our vision for the wider site focused around creating space that supports local employment opportunities and economic growth, whilst also benefiting the local environment. We look forward to continuing to develop our plans for the site in the months ahead.” Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, added: “I’m delighted to be able to get construction underway for these new business units as part of the Kimberley Means Business project. Providing spaces for local start-ups to establish themselves, and existing SMEs to grow and develop, the units will help to drive economic growth in the area. Together with the new Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre, due to be completed in September, these new developments will create a new economic hub in the north of the Borough.” Matt Searston, Commercial Director at Britcon, added: “We are excited to have been awarded this contract and to be starting construction of this project at the Bennerley development, continuing our successful collaborative relationship with Harworth Group. This important strategic site presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver high-quality, sustainable employment space that will support long-term local employment and economic growth. Our focus is always on maximising opportunities for local employment and regional suppliers. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to bring this important development to life.” For more information on our vision for Bennerley, please visit: https://www.bennerleyemployment.co.uk/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Clowes Developments has begun a multi-million-pound site remediation and enabling works programme at its recently acquired 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, paving the way for new industrial and warehouse development. The brownfield site, once home to the creation of the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is set to be transformed into a major commercial hub. The clean-up will tackle legacy contamination, preparing the land for up to 500,000 sq ft of modern employment space alongside the existing 200,000 sq ft RM Resources facility. Lead contractor TanRo has been appointed to deliver the complex works, which include ground remediation, groundwater treatment, earthworks, construction of retaining walls, drainage infrastructure, and road access improvements. The programme will run beyond an initial 20-week schedule, forming the first phase of long-term investment into the site. Although planning permission is already in place for six industrial and warehouse buildings, environmental remediation is essential before development can progress. The site’s strategic location, close to junctions 26 and 27 of the M1 and within half an hour of East Midlands Airport, Derby and Nottingham, makes it a prime choice for occupiers seeking new space in the region. Kevin Webster, Associate Development Director at Clowes Developments, said:“Harrier Park is a special site with a remarkable heritage, and we’re proud to be bringing it back into productive use. Our first major step is to address its long-standing issues with contamination. Our enabling works are designed to prepare the land for high-quality industrial development, and interest is already strong from potential occupiers looking for bespoke space in a well-connected location.” Clowes Developments is working with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site, with design-and-build opportunities available on both freehold and leasehold terms for units ranging from 60,000 to 206,000 sq ft. For enquiries, please contact: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Prologis has been selected to deliver a build-to-suit National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer at DIRFT — a flagship development that will support the transformation of the retailer’s food logistics network while showcasing Prologis’ expertise in designing and delivering highly complex logistics facilities. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the facility represents a £340 million investment — the largest in M&S’s food supply chain history — and forms a key part of the company’s strategy to double the size of its food business. The construction phase is expected to support over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 roles once operational — covering logistics, management, and technical engineering. The development combines chilled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space — all tailored to M&S’s operational requirements and growth ambitions. TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project. Located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the campus will be fully electric and designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating — an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainable building performance. Proven Build-to-Suit Expertise With decades of experience in land acquisition, site selection, permitting, construction and delivery, Prologis is uniquely positioned to manage complex, large-scale projects like this one. Its in-house teams streamline the process from design through delivery, ensuring maximized value engineering, accelerated timelines and reliable technical expertise at every step. By partnering with industry-leading architects, consultants and contractors, Prologis consistently delivers facilities on or ahead of schedule. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “M&S selected Prologis for our experience in delivering 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.” DIRFT: A Key Driver of Regional Growth This latest milestone takes Prologis’ leased or committed space at DIRFT III to over 75%, reinforcing the site’s role as one of the UK’s most mature intermodal logistics hubs. Currently, more than 10,000 people are employed across DIRFT in a growing range of logistics, operations, and technical roles. In 2023/24 alone, customers at DIRFT contributed £13.1 million in business rates. The site generates £219 million in annual GVA, making it one of the region’s most important economic assets. Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This investment is a strong signal of continued confidence in West Northamptonshire and wider South Midlands region as a centre of national and European logistics. As the UK’s largest inland port, DIRFT plays a critical role in supporting jobs, attracting business, and driving economic growth across the backbone of the UK. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on the long-term future of the site as it continues to evolve.” Setting New Standards for Sustainable Logistics On completion, the new M&S facility is expected to be the largest building in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification and is also targeting EPC A+. On-site features include a large-scale rooftop PV array, EV charging, energy-saving technologies, and extensive use of recycled materials — demonstrating how Prologis build-to-suit developments combine technical excellence with sustainable innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Britain’s warehouse and logistics sector is facing a decade-defining challenge, as new analysis warns that defence spending will create unprecedented demand for additional storage and distribution capacity across the country. According to research from Savills, the UK will require up to three million sq m of new warehouse space by 2032 to support the expansion of the nation’s defence manufacturing base. The figure, equivalent to more than 400 football pitches, highlights the scale of demand expected as government investment flows into the sector. The forecast follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to increase the UK’s annual defence budget by £40 billion by 2035. Major contractors such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce are preparing to expand operations to deliver on both domestic and allied commitments, creating a ripple effect through the wider warehouse and logistics market. To meet demand, the UK would need to deliver an average of 429,000 sq m of additional warehouse space every year until 2032. This comes on top of the long-term annual average of 650,000 sq m, placing the sector under significant pressure at a time when development is already constrained by high construction costs, expensive financing, and limited land availability. Prime warehouse rents are already on the rise, particularly in the South East. Around the M25, rents have nearly doubled since 2019, climbing from £215 per sq m to £398 per sq m in 2025. Analysts warn that defence sector expansion, combined with sustained e-commerce growth and reshoring strategies, could push rents higher still, placing further strain on occupiers across multiple industries. Andrew Blennerhassett, associate director in Savills’ industrial and logistics research team, commented: “Defence investment has the potential to reshape the UK warehouse market in a very short period of time. Policymakers must ensure land supply and planning approvals keep pace with demand. Otherwise, capacity constraints will quickly become a brake on both industrial output and national resilience.” The UK warehouse market has already seen major structural shifts since the pandemic, as manufacturers, retailers and distributors moved to secure greater domestic capacity. Defence now represents an additional layer of demand, with contractors and their supply chains expected to require new-build facilities, large-scale storage hubs, and modernised logistics parks. Developers and investors are responding. Sirius Real Estate, which holds more than £2 billion of warehouse assets in the UK and Germany, has brought in a former British Army major general as a strategic adviser to help capture opportunities created by the expansion of the defence sector. Andrew Coombs, chief executive of Sirius and a former Grenadier Guards officer, said: “Defence has the potential to become one of the most important drivers of demand for warehouse and logistics space over the next decade. These requirements will not only focus on capacity but also on quality, with an emphasis on resilience, efficiency and futureproofing. For landlords, the fact that much of this demand is ultimately government-backed adds a unique level of stability.” The scale of investment expected from defence contractors is likely to reshape warehouse development patterns across the UK. Regions with established defence and aerospace industries, including the North West, South West and Midlands, are forecast to see the strongest uplift in demand, with ripple effects across national distribution networks. However, analysts caution that unless the UK overcomes persistent barriers around planning and land availability, the challenge of creating sufficient warehouse capacity could become acute. With occupier expectations increasingly centred on ESG standards, energy efficiency and connectivity, there is also pressure on developers to deliver facilities that meet the sustainability benchmarks now standard in other sectors. For warehouse and logistics operators, the convergence of defence spending, e-commerce demand and reshoring strategies is set to drive sustained competition for prime space. As the market prepares for what could be a transformative decade, the role of the warehouse sector in underpinning both economic growth and national security is likely to become more visible than ever before. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has unveiled plans for two major logistics projects in the East Midlands, adding more than 1.5 million sq ft of new space to its UK pipeline. The first development, on an 80-acre site west of Northampton, recently secured hybrid planning consent at appeal. The scheme will deliver three Grade A units of 223,269 sq ft, 361,724 sq ft and 412,073 sq ft, strategically located just five miles from Junction 15A of the M1 at the A43/A5 interchange. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with completion expected by the second half of 2028. The investment is valued at approximately £152.9 million. The second site, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, sits just 1.25 miles from the A1 and 10 miles from Junction 31 of the M1, offering excellent links across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. With outline planning consent already secured, the 27-acre site will accommodate a single 462,000 sq ft unit, available for lease. Backed by an investment of around £50.7 million, construction is due to start in early 2026 and complete in 2027. Worksop is recognised as a thriving logistics hub, supported by strong occupier demand, competitive rental levels and a readily available workforce. Major operators, including DHL and B&Q, already operate large-scale distribution facilities nearby. Both sites will be built to Panattoni’s highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A ratings and net zero carbon in construction. Key features include PV solar systems, EV charging points, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. Andrew Preston, Head of Development: North Midlands & Yorkshire, said: “This new site in Worksop is a rare opportunity to deliver a large-scale, best-in-class logistics unit in an area of proven demand. The location and infrastructure make it ideal for rapid delivery, and we’re excited to bring forward a highly sustainable scheme that aligns with market needs and our ESG commitments.” Gregg Titley, Head of Development: East & West Midlands, added: “Expanding again in Northampton strengthens our long-term strategy to grow in key logistics corridors where supply is constrained. This is a prime site with exceptional transport links, and we are proud to be delivering a landmark development that will serve as a gateway hub for the Midlands and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Heathrow Airport has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver the redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park, a 1.6-hectare site being transformed into a state-of-the-art logistics hub. The £multi-million project will see the creation of four modern warehouse buildings, split into 32 flexible units ranging between 200 and 400 sq m at ground level, with the potential for occupiers to expand into full first floors. The development replaces the site’s original post-war buildings, constructed in the 1950s and recently demolished, with a new generation of sustainable Grade A logistics space. In line with Heathrow’s commitment to lower-carbon development, most building elements will be manufactured offsite before being transported and assembled on site. The scheme includes 16-metre continuous roof panels incorporating gutters and solar arrays, cross-laminated timber roof sections, and a pre-assembled steel frame designed for efficient installation. Together, these features will help the buildings generate over 700kWh of renewable electricity annually, exporting surplus power back into Heathrow’s network. Construction will take place over a 12–18 month period within the constraints of a live operational airport. The site presents a number of complexities, including obstacle limitation surface (OLS) height restrictions ranging from nine to 13.5 metres, as well as essential services running beneath the development. McLaren has worked closely with Heathrow to design a safe and cost-effective methodology that avoids the need for out-of-hours working while ensuring programme certainty. David Gavin, McLaren Construction’s managing director for industrial and logistics, said: “Heathrow’s role as a global hub creates huge opportunities not only in cargo handling but also for the many services that keep the airport running. This redevelopment is a step change from the site’s post-war buildings, delivering flexible, sustainable warehouses that will play an integral part in the airport’s future infrastructure.” Alistair Awcock, infrastructure director for Heathrow, added: “This investment will provide prime logistics accommodation for our partners while modernising and strengthening our perimeter property portfolio. It underlines our commitment to customer service and to creating modern, sustainable facilities at the heart of the airport.” The project, supported by a specialist subcontractor team, is expected to complete in summer 2026 and stands as one of Heathrow’s spotlight schemes demonstrating new approaches to low-carbon construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Indurent has marked its first year of trading with impressive results, recording more than £1 billion of investment and portfolio growth of nearly 20 per cent across its UK logistics and industrial holdings. The company was formed in July 2024 through the merger of St. Modwen Logistics and Industrials REIT, combining development expertise with a substantial landbank and an advanced operating platform. Since then, Indurent has expanded its workforce by almost a third to 230 employees and now supports a customer base of over 2,500, ranging from local SMEs to global corporations such as Amazon, as well as creative firms like N2 Creative, which builds sets for the television series Gangs of London. Over the past twelve months, Indurent has increased its national portfolio from approximately 27 million sq ft to 32 million sq ft, spanning both multi-let industrial estates and large-scale logistics facilities. This expansion has been underpinned by significant acquisitions and a robust development pipeline. Julian Carey, chief executive of Indurent, said: “The momentum achieved in our first year reflects both the strength of our assets and the demand for high-quality, sustainable logistics space. We’ve been able to scale rapidly, delivering modern facilities in prime locations and leveraging digital tools like our Hive platform to provide a streamlined, customer-focused experience. Industrial and logistics real estate is increasingly recognised as the backbone of the modern economy, and we are proud to be playing a central role in its growth.” Indurent’s assets have attracted a broad range of new tenants. Over the past year, more than 2.4 million sq ft of space was leased across nearly 450 transactions. Notable agreements included furniture brand Herman Miller taking 110,000 sq ft at Indurent Park Chippenham, and aviation services specialist AerFin relocating its headquarters to a 116,000 sq ft office and industrial facility at Indurent Park Newport, doubling its capacity. The company has also invested over £10 million in technology, accelerating the rollout of Hive, its proprietary digital operating platform. Hive enables a fully digitised leasing process, from virtual tours to instant onboarding. The system has proven particularly effective for smaller lettings, with three quarters of sub-5,000 sq ft deals now completed directly online, often within days of enquiry. Looking ahead, Indurent plans to build on its strong first year by continuing to invest in sustainable developments, customer-focused technology, and prime logistics locations across the UK. With planning reform, rising occupier demand and ongoing supply constraints driving momentum, the company is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of both local businesses and global operators. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals