Wolseley expands in Leamington

Atlas Ward Structures is erecting 1,700t of structural steelwork for a new distribution centre in Leamington Spa for construction products and materials distributor Wolseley UK.

The new building will provide 35,000m² of floor space and it is situated adjacent to Wolseley’s Headquarters at Spa Park. Lead by main contractor FKI Logistex and subcontractor Bowmer & Kirkland, the development comprises two buildings, 61m apart, that are connected by a link bridge. This ensured optimal use of the site while allowing vehicle access between the buildings. Each building is constructed with triple spans of 30m and is 15m high to eaves.

A small difference in total height between the two buildings meant that the fully enclosed link bridge had to be designed and constructed to a slight gradient. The 9m wide bridge has a clear centre span of 32m, is 6m off of the ground and links up with mezzanine floors in both of the buildings. It is designed to enable pallet trucks to move easily between the two buildings.

The building should be fully operational by the end of 2006 and will employ more than 150.