Magnavale Easton is an automated high-bay clad-rack cold storage scheme with a total storage capacity of over 100,000 pallets located near Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Magnavale Easton is an automated high-bay clad-rack cold storage scheme located in near Grantham, Lincolnshire. With a total storage capacity of over 100,000 pallets, the scheme will become the largest independent single stage build new storage building ever built in the UK. It measures over 200m long and 45m tall and has a functional volume approaching 800,000m3. Construction work began on-site in 2021 and is due to complete in late 2024.

The project is strategically well-located directly adjacent to the A1 on brownfield land between other existing manufacturing and distribution buildings which will continue to operate throughout the build programme. The tight nature of the site and programme challenges provided Campus Park and the design team with the opportunity to utilise an off-site prefabricated clad-rack construction for the high-bay element of the build which also utilises advanced techniques such as oxygen reduction to minimise the risk of fire, the use of an automated crane and multi-level conveyor system and BIM integration across disciplines from the outset. The energy-efficient automation element of the build, thermographic surveys and the ‘lights-out’ dark-warehouse operation assist with the targeting of a BREEAM Very Good rating. A single envelope composite panel solution is utilised due to its thermal performance and large panel sizes.

In addition to the high-bay element of the build which can operate at -200C, the team have also designed a low-bay zone which is operated at the same temperature and features vertical pallet lifts to value-added-services across two upper levels which can be operated by separate logistics entities. The overall facility is operated from an adjoining multi-level new-build office which incorporates a canteen space, open plan workspaces, dedicated video-conferencing spaces, openable windows for natural ventilation, raised access floors and tall exposed ceilings.

“The cost of living crisis and the covid pandemic have brought storage and distribution into focus. Magnavale are at the forefront of cold food storage in the UK and we are grateful to be working with them on a range of expansion and upgrade projects in this reinvigorated industry. The utilisation of modern methods of construction, automation technology and efficient thermal envelopes have allowed the team to design a building that is far taller and more efficient than would be possible with a traditional build. Although not commercially viable for co-location with other typologies due to the build height, insurance risk and specific structural and thermal systems, this type of innovative architectural solution minimises land-take to a significant degree and will ultimately help to stabilise and reduce costs to the consumer. Project Magnavale Easton is a great precedent for how the whole cold storage industry is evolving and we are excited to already be working on similar builds to cater directly for the London market which utilise multiple modes of transportation including shipping utilising the Thames riverways and urban / last-mile logistics.” Chris Berry MRICS, Director, SBH