Work set to start on world’s largest BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ building

Developer Prologis has appointed Winvic Construction to deliver a new national distribution centre for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).

Covering 120,773m², the scheme is expected to be the largest in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification while also targeting an EPC A+ rating.

The project 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 will combine 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 a vehicle maintenance unit.

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.

Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Data Centres at Winvic, said: “ We are 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 our team.”