SGP completes new warehouse for Leicester eco-packaging specialists

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has completed an 8,215 sqm industrial unit in Hamilton Business Park, Thurmaston, near Leicester, for developer Davenport Developments (Leicester) Ltd. The redevelopment of the 1.71 hectare site centres on a new production and warehouse unit which has been let to Sav-eco Packaging Ltd, producers of high quality recyclable environmentally-friendly paper bags and packaging products. The build includes a three storey 857 sqm office space, staff and visitor parking and service yard.

Explains Hing Ow, Associate at SGP: “Our focus was to design a new, modern production/warehouse space that meets the needs of the tenant and is flexible enough to respond to future requirements. We have chosen a strong, simple design with meticulous detailing and panels of gently contrasting colours and profiles to break down the facade into well-proportioned sections.”

SGP’s design expresses the dual warehouse and office functions through the idea of two interlocking boxes where glazed elements create a light and transparent office against the more solid warehouse, giving a clear contrast.

Hugh Murphy, Chairman of Davenport Developments (Leicester) Ltd, commented that he was delighted that Hing’s thoughtful and extensive design has resulted in a functional product with a really pleasing aesthetic appearance. The office block in particular is a good example of what can be achieved by lifting the overall building through the clever use of the Cladding, Glazing and Brise Soleil materials to provide contrast in style and colour to alleviate the monotony of plain cladding.

The unit has achieved a BREEAM Good rating with PV panels to help on-site energy generation, as well as electric car charging points and the infrastructure to add more if needed.

Concludes Hing: “This is a popular and established industrial park with good transport links in a market with high demand. We have been able to deliver a fully optimised development with an ageless asset which will contribute to the prosperity of the area long into the future.”