Ground broken at new Bellshill warehouse development

WEST Ranga Management has revealed that ground has been broken on its Connect-70 warehouse development in Bellshill.

Muir Construction has been appointed main contractor and is now on-site starting with sub structure preparation before the erection of the steelwork in early June.

Over the next 39 weeks, Muir will join forces with West Ranga Management and its design team consisting of Ashton Smith Associates, Currie & Brown, Woolgar Hunter Engineers, Butler Consulting Engineers, and Turner & Townsend to deliver the development, which is due to complete in Q1 2024.

The Connect-70 development extends to 72,733 sq ft on a site of 4.13-acres and has a target to achieve EPC A and BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings. The building benefits from EV charging points, 15% roof lights, roof mounted photovoltaic system and air source heat pumps.

The design is said to take account of modern logistics operators’ requirements, with 12m eaves, eight dock loading bays, two level access doors and first floor offices. Externally the site will accommodate a 50m-deep concrete surfaced yard with 16 trailer parking bays and space for turning in addition to 42 car parking spaces, including eight EV charging and three disabled parking bays.

Phil Watson, director of West Ranga Management, said, “We are excited to have reached this milestone and we look forward to working with Muir Construction given their enviable track record in delivering similar projects. Connect-70 has been designed to meet a shortfall in the supply of high-quality sustainable warehousing space across Scotland.”

David Fairweather, business development director at Muir Construction, added, “We were delighted to be given the opportunity by West Ranga Management, to again demonstrate their design and build expertise in a market that whilst challenging, remains at the forefront of a recovering economy. Key to this is our continued presence in the area allowing us to sustainably support the local community with job, training and third sector project opportunities.

“We are also looking forward to continuing our work with DYW to engage with the local high school and college to help advise and mentor young people who may be interested in working in the construction industry.”