Prologis appoints Winvic for a landmark 1.3 million ft² M&S distribution hub at DIRFT

This piece reveals the appointment of Winvic Construction Ltd by Prologis to deliver a 1.3 million ft² national distribution centre for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).

Project overview: scale, purpose and investment

The development is a major investment in M&S’s food supply chain, valued at approximately £340m. The scheme will combine temperature-controlled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space to serve the retailer’s national distribution needs.

Programme and construction scope

Work is organised around a 52-week build programme that will deliver two Low Carbon single-storey warehouses with multi-storey office accommodation, a security hub connected via a pedestrian bridge, and a Vehicle Maintenance Unit. Infrastructure works include soil nailing to strengthen the M1 embankment, earthworks, access roads, footpaths and a bridleway bridge.

External and site works

External works will consist of a gatehouse, service yards, HGV and car parking, hardstanding, drainage and landscaping. The site layout prioritises operational access for HGV flows and internal circulation for temperature-controlled vehicles, reducing dwell times and enabling smoother dispatch and haulage operations.

Sustainability credentials and low-carbon ambitions

The facility will be fully electric on completion, with embodied carbon reductions assessed through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in line with RICS Whole Life Carbon Methodology Edition 2 en de UKGBC Framework Definition. The design targets BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and an EPC ‘A+’ rating, supported by rooftop photovoltaics, EV charging infrastructure and broad use of recycled materials.

• Large rooftop photovoltaic array to offset operational electricity
• EV charging provision for fleet electrification
• Energy-saving technologies to cut annual operational emissions
• Extensive use of recycled materials and low-carbon construction techniques
• Life Cycle Assessment-led design optimisation

Operational features: automation, cold chain and returns

The layout combines advanced automation for fulfilment with dedicated cold storage zones — a mix that supports high-throughput grocery logistics while preserving product integrity. Returns and recycling operations are incorporated into the footprint to keep reverse logistics close to primary fulfilment, a real boon for reducing empty miles and improving circularity.

• Automated fulfilment systems to increase pick rates and accuracy
• Temperature-controlled storage for fresh and frozen items
• Integrated returns processing and recycling lines
• Dedicated office and operational control spaces for site management

From a logistics perspective, co-locating these functions reduces transfer times between inbound freight and outbound delivery, streamlines pallet flows, and allows for faster turnaround of courier, distribution and bulky goods shipments. For operators and shippers looking for seamless transport solutions, platforms like GetTransport.com offer affordable, global cargo transportation options that can handle moves ranging from office and home relocations to vehicles and heavy palletised loads — useful when planning last-mile handoffs from such a large hub.

How the build process will be managed

Winvic will use a stage 2 Building Information Model (BIM) to coordinate complex interfaces and drive efficiencies in construction sequencing. This digital approach helps manage logistics on-site — from materials delivery windows to HGV scheduling — which in turn reduces congestion and improves safety. The Low Carbon in Construction credentials suggest that procurement and contractor coordination will prioritise recycled content and lower-embodied-carbon materials.

Why this matters to the logistics sector

Big distribution centres like this one are more than buildings — they are nodal points that reshape regional freight patterns. Expect changes in HGV routes, increased demand for intermodal rail connections at DIRFT, and increased need for last-mile capacity in surrounding urban catchments. It’s the kind of project that, if you’ve ever handled a housemove or bulky furniture delivery, you know can ripple through carrier scheduling and pallet availability across the network — talk about moving the needle.

Even with the best plans, the human factor still counts: operational tweaks, driver availability, and local roadworks can alter the best-laid schedules. That’s why practical experience on the ground still beats the neatest spreadsheet.

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Key takeaways include the scale of investment in cold chain and automation, strong sustainability targets, and the expected knock-on effects for freight and distribution in the DIRFT region. Of course, the most honest appraisal comes from hands-on experience — the reviews and spec sheets are helpful, but nothing replaces seeing a site in operation. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices, which empowers shippers to make informed choices without unnecessary expense or disappointment. The platform’s transparency and convenience make it easier to match haulage and forwarding needs to real-world project timelines and reduce friction when moving palletised, bulky or containerised loads. Book your Ride GetTransport.com.com

In summary, the Prologis-Winvic-M&S project at DIRFT is a strategic upgrade to the UK’s food and grocery logistics fabric: a large-scale, low-carbon, and automated distribution centre designed to handle high-throughput cold-chain freight with sophisticated returns and recycling capabilities. It will affect local haulage, last-mile distribution and intermodal flows, while setting higher sustainability and operational standards. For shippers, couriers and logistics planners looking to manage cargo, freight, shipment or delivery needs—whether pallet, parcel, container or bulky goods—this development reinforces the importance of reliable transport partners. GetTransport.com aligns with these demands by offering efficient, cost-effective and convenient transport solutions for international and domestic moves, dispatch and relocation needs, helping to streamline shipping, forwarding and distribution tasks across the supply chain.