The logistical units, both have an internal height of 18m, over four times higher than a double decker bus and were constructed from a steel frame, with a built-up cladding and roofing system. One facility has an internal footprint of 232,302ft², and the other of 281,890ft².

Throughout the project, the team have taken steps to hire local suppliers, minimise their environmental impact and engage with the local community, most recently providing a site visit for fifty built environment students from Nottingham Trent University. The site received an excellent score of 45 points out of a possible 45 by the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) for demonstrating a wide range of social value.

As well as the buildings being certified as net zero emissions by design, VolkerFitzpatrick took steps to reduce their environmental footprint including reusing waste materials from site during the groundworks phase.

Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Building division, said: “I am delighted that VolkerFitzpatrick has added to the development of Prologis UK’s DIRFT site. Our strong, collaborative approach has enabled us to deliver this innovative and sustainable project which exceeds expectations.”

Prologis’ DIRFT site is recognised as the most successful intermodal (rail/road) logistics park in the UK. The popularity of rail freight as part of a balanced, sustainable and resilient supply chain has grown over the past decade and today, over 6,500 trains – the equivalent of 200,000 freight containers – pass through DIRFT each year.