This new distribution centre for Wells and Young’s Brewing Company in Bedford was completed in a remarkable 22 weeks on site. It includes a 10,900 sqm (117,328 sqft) warehouse, internal accommodation for the brewery’s dray fleet, and 800 sqm (8,610 sqft) three storey ancillary offices and welfare facilities.

The building has been created to be as sustainable as possible, including the developer Gazeley’s ‘Eco-Initiatives’ design toolkit to reduce carbon and water use, improve energy controls and provide some clean energy from renewable sources.

Rainwater harvesting, roof-mounted photovoltaics and a solar water system to provide hot water are just some of the features that will save 208 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, based upon the performance of a typical UK logistics building.