Practical completion reached on Co-op’s greenest UK depot

Developer Tritax Symmetry, has reached practical completion on the 661,000 sq ft regional distribution centre that is pre let to the Co-operative Group at Symmetry Park Biggleswade.

The building is set to become one of the Co-op’s ‘greenest’ UK depots and has a base build built to BREEAM Excellent through Winvic Construction, which remains on site for the Co-op to fit out of the new centre.

The distribution centre will use energy from Co-op’s energy buying co-operative, Co-op Power. By using Co-op Power, the centre will share energy from 100% renewable sources. As a result, the centre is projected to make a saving of £3 million over 20 years. Co-op Power’s plans for the centre include installing 3.5 ME of solar PV in roof and supply balance from its Biggleswade wind farm.

Andy Perry, Supply Chain & Logistics Director, Co-op said: “This building will be one of the greenest depots in the country, running on 100% renewable electricity and will create a modern, positive working environment for our colleagues.

“The development will also support our ambitions for future growth into London, the South and South East. Making sure we have the right distribution facilities to deliver improved service and availability now, and in the future, is our priority. Our attention now is focused on the fit-out and seeing this huge empty building turn into a fully-functional distribution centre of the highest standard.”

The facility is set to become fully operational in 2022 creating around 1,200 jobs.

Located off the A1 at Symmetry Park, Biggleswade and only 29 miles north of the M25, the new centre will support the Co-op’s future growth ambitions across London, the South and South East.

Councillor Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning & Regeneration, Central Bedfordshire Council, commented: “I would like to thank Tritax Symmetry for the collaborative way they have worked in bringing forward this project and the green credentials embedded in making this building sustainable, reflecting the standards we set for new growth in the area.”

Tom Leeming, Development Director at Tritax Symmetry, added: “Having secured detailed consent for four units totalling 577,000 sq ft on phase two at the end of 2020, we are working on bringing forward future phases for new occupiers. There will also be more exciting news regarding the implementation of on site [power]generation, which will further enhance the sustainability credentials of this [prime Central Bedfordshire distribution and logistics park].”

The wider project team included Savills Project Management; AJA Architects; Feasibility; Dunwoody; Woods Hardwick and ACD Environmental.

Mathews & Goodman represented Co-op.