Co-op Distribution Centre – Wellingborough

The Co-operative Group
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Bowman Riley provided architecture and the role of principal designer on the refurbishment of a distribution centre formerly occupied by Yusen Logistics to provide a new regional distribution centre for The Co-op to provide extra capacity in their network for supply of goods to their convenience stores across the UK.

We worked on the refurbishment and designed the internal layout of the 330,000ft2 building incorporating new ambient, chill and freezer areas. We were novated across to the contractor and continued to develop the design whilst providing a monitoring role throughout the construction.

Working collaboratively with our client, we made strategic decisions about the most cost-effective upgrades to the 25-year-old facility for its efficient operation. Rooflights were replaced to increase the light in the ambient chamber, a new 110,000ft2 chill and refrigeration zone was constructed within the shell of the existing structure and offices were remodelled to bring them in line with a new open-plan approach to encourage interaction between staff on site.

Externally, we reconfigured the yard layout to increase vehicle capacity and upgraded fuelling facilities with new above-ground fuel storage, which allowed us to increase the fuel points from two to six and maintain the efficient operation of the yard.

The project was delivered in a very tight programme with a limited budget. The first phase was handed over just six months from when vacant possession was granted to enable the Co-op to use the extra capacity for their Easter peak. The entire project was handed over three months later to meet the capacity requirements in the network for the summer months.

Throughout the project, we worked closely with all parties resulting in the successful handover. Vitally important to our client, the project enabled the Co-op to increase the capacity of their distribution network and ensure the efficient delivery of goods to their stores.

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