Our extensive experience in the development of distribution facilities led to a collaboration with CEF on a new facility at Biggleswade. The project, which was completed in 39 weeks, included of a single-storey warehouse, three-storey office facilities, external works, and landscaping. The speed of the build was of paramount importance to the client, where expansion had been required to meet the demands of their growing business.
The warehouse element of the build is a single-storey construction with dimensions appropriate for loading, unloading, and movement of goods and people. The frame design includes a 12m haunch. Within the 9,000m² of space, there is a two-storey mezzanine floor constructed from lightweight chipboard. As well as the lighting, cooling, and plumbing, the warehouse is also fitted with very narrow aisle (VNA) pallet racking, cable reel racking, and shelving on the mezzanine floor. To the rear of the warehouse, there is a 4.5m cantilever canopy covering the five standard loading docks and four level access doors.
The 4,500m² two-storey mezzanine floor is fire rated to 1 hour and fitted with three internal staircase, 4 pallet gates, and a spiral conveyor system. As part of the fit-out, these areas created by the mezzanine are also equipped with suspended ceilings, lighting, and racking. Externally, cladding is phased aesthetically to minimise visual impact of the building as well as providing requisite weather-tightness. Permeable drainage to the car parking areas mitigate any risk of standing water, and the site is complete with associated landscaping.
As well as the working areas of the warehouse, the build also provided three floors of office accommodation for administrative support and staff areas. 1,600m2 of space is distributed over the three floors, all serviced by a lift and two staircases; these offices were fully fitted out with both CAT A & B works. The completed staff areas offer a quality finish without compromise on overall project value.
