SGP design for Marks & Spencer’s flagship distribution centre at Northamptonshire logistics park revealed

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has recently revealed designs for a state-of-the-art distribution facility at Prologis RFI DIRFT (Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal) – the UK’s largest rail-served logistics park. This new 1.3 million sqft site at DIRFT will serve as the future hub for Marks & Spencer’s national food distribution, representing a landmark £340 million investment in the retailer’s food supply chain.

The campus, designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, will combine chilled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and reusable packaging operations, alongside dedicated office space to support both on-site and national functions.

It is estimated that the construction phase of the new National Distribution Centre will create over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 permanent roles once the site is fully operational, covering driving, logistics, management and more technical roles such as automated vehicle technicians.

This latest milestone reinforces DIRFT as one of the UK’s most mature intermodal logistics hubs, contributing more than £750 million a year to the regional economy.

Tariq Khan, Studio Director at SGP comments: “SGP has worked with Prologis at DIRFT for many years, designing the original masterplan and developing the subsequent unit designs to continuously advance the built environment of the park. We have successfully delivered plots along DIRFT Drive, the award-winning Hub building, a Rail Terminal, outstanding green public realm enhancements.

The new flagship M&S facility continues that momentum, being part of a bigger story of transformation and forward-thinking development. SGP’s design uses meticulous detailing to deliver a bold, architecturally cohesive scheme in a prominent position within the site.

Placemaking and innovative design are at the heart of our proposals, ensuring that the development not only provides a state-of-the-art National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer, but that it also fits seamlessly into its surroundings and contributes to the thriving park community. With biodiversity zones and high-quality outdoor spaces, the landscape creates an environment that supports both sustainability and wellbeing.”

The new M&S facility is being delivered using BIM Stage 2 and will be one of the largest in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, and is also targeting EPC A+. It will be carbon neutral in construction, certified by Planet Mark.”

The National Distribution Centre is expected to open in early 2029.

In the press: Prologis News, M&S News, BBC News, Logistics Matters