Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed by Prologis to construct a new national distribution centre for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).

The project represents a £340 million investment in M&S's food supply chain and is a key part of the retailer's strategy to double the size of its food business.

The facility will span 1.3 million sq ft and feature temperature-controlled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space. Over a 52-week build programme, Winvic will deliver two low-carbon, single-storey warehouses with multi-storey office accommodation, a security hub linked via a pedestrian bridge, and a Vehicle Maintenance Unit.

Infrastructure works include intensive soil nailing to strengthen the embankment to the M1, earthworks, access roads, footpaths, and a bridleway bridge. External works will cover a gatehouse, service yards, HGV and car parking, drainage, hardstanding, and landscaping.

The facility will be fully electric, with embodied carbon reductions assessed through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in line with RICS Whole Life Carbon Methodology Edition 2 and the UKGBC Framework Definition. It is expected to become the largest building in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification while also targeting an EPC A+ rating. Additional features include a rooftop photovoltaic array, EV charging stations, energy-saving technologies, and extensive use of recycled materials.

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Winvic is also delivering an Employment and Skills Plan in line with Prologis' Social Value Charter and the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) framework. Working with Northampton-based social enterprise Goodwill Solutions, the project aims to support individuals facing barriers to employment through a National Construction Skills Programme.

Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Data Centres at Winvic, said: "Winvic is well placed to deliver large-scale projects that expand our temperature controlled and cold store portfolio. Being selected by our long-standing client Prologis as the construction partner on this landmark distribution facility is a significant achievement for the Winvic team.

"Our experience in delivering complex large-scale industrial and logistics projects that are designed to meet the highest sustainability standards positions us perfectly to deliver this industry-leading facility for M&S. It’s a special project due to its Low Carbon in Construction credentials and BREEAM Outstanding target and we're utilising a stage 2 Building Information Model (BIM) to its full potential to assist with this goal."

The development takes Prologis' leased or committed space at DIRFT to over 75%, reinforcing the site's status as one of the UK's most established intermodal logistics hubs. The scheme is expected to support over 2,000 jobs during construction and around 1,000 permanent roles once operational, spanning driving, logistics, and technical positions such as automation technicians.