TRITAX SYMMETRY COMPLETES MAJOR A1 CO-OP FACILITY

10 March 2021

Tritax Symmetry has reached practical completion of a 661,000 sq ft regional distribution centre for the Co-operative Group Limited at Symmetry Park Biggleswade.

Winvic Construction has now completed the base build of the BREEAM Excellent facility. The main contractor remains on site for the Co-op to fit out the new centre which 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.

Speaking about the completion of the project, Tom Leeming, Development Director at Tritax Symmetry, commented: “The Co-op is a highly valued client in the TBBR portfolio and we are thrilled to have delivered their most sustainable RDC to date. I would like to express my thanks for the proactive and collaborative way in which our stakeholders, from Central Bedfordshire Council to the wider project team and indeed Co-op, have approached this project making it a huge success.”

“With phase one now complete, we are already working on bringing forward future phases for new occupiers having secured detailed consent for four units totalling 577,000 sq ft on phase two at the end of 2020. There will be more exciting news due the delivery of these units and also regarding on site generation to further enhance the sustainability credentials of the site.’

The distribution centre will also 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 percent 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 Biggleswade wind farm.

Andy Perry, Supply Chain & Logistics Director, Co-op, continued: “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.”

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. I welcome the Co-op to Biggleswade and acknowledge their contribution towards state-of-the-art facilities and jobs to support the local economy.”

Danny Nelson, Winvic’s Head of Industrial, added: “This sustainable, regional distribution centre is an excellent example of what can be achieved when all stakeholders have the same vision and passion. I am very proud of the Winvic team for their focus and commitment in delivering this large temperature-controlled facility, especially through the unique challenges of the pandemic, and we join Tritax Symmetry and the Co-op in celebrating this milestone. We have now moved on to the fit-out phase – directly for the Co-op – so it won’t be long before the centre is fully operational and helping to meet growing consumer demand.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors Elliott Lancaster | Press Officer | 07808 609 944 | elliott.lancaster@coop.co.uk

About the Co-op 

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance, legal services and health. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates 2,600 food stores, over 1,000 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,100 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.  

Employing over 62,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of £10 billion. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.  

About Co-op Power 

Co-op Power is a unique energy buying group you can trust. Combining buying power to demand better value has always been at the heart of the Co-op movement. By working together and pooling our energy buying with other organisations, we can negotiate the best value for energy, plus a wide range of fantastic terms and benefits that only a handful of companies in the UK can achieve. Alongside substantially cheaper bills, we offer fixed and flexible contracts, fair and transparent fees, accurate billing and insightful reporting. We can help you reach your sustainability goals too, by only procuring 100% REGO certified renewable energy and advising you on ways to save energy across your operations. 

For more information, visit: www.coop.co.uk/power  

As part of its commitment to zero carbon, the Co-op has developed five wind farms across the UK and has already cut its direct carbon impact by 50%. Co-op has also committed to reducing its direct greenhouse gas emissions by a further 50%, and its product related emissions to 11% by 2025.