SGP planning success for new Coventry warehouse

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has gained planning permission for a 96,117 sqft / 8,930 sqm warehouse building at Paradise Point, Coventry. Working closely with existing client Rula Developments, SGP has created a single high-quality unit with a clean and functional design, suited to local market needs.

Mark Hawthorne at Rula Developments commented: “We are delighted to have attained planning for this Mid box Industrial / warehouse facility and are looking forward to delivering another building designed by SGP.”

Explains Joseph Silva, Associate, at SGP: “We’ve established a strong and collaborative relationship with Rula through multiple projects, gaining a thorough understanding of their brand and vision. Here we were able to create several possible layouts, including multiple units and terraces, before deciding on a single unit with 7,099 sqft of office space across the ground, first and second floors, service yard with HGV parking, and car parking with EV charging points.”

The new unit will replace a vacant office block on a circa 5 acre site approximately four miles from Coventry City centre and with good access to the M6, the M69, and the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass. The form, orientation and heights of the unit are defined by its proposed uses, with a strong, coherent and contemporary design aesthetic with clean roof lines and the main entrances emphasised with curtain walling and framing created through bold cladding choices. Red banding links the development to the client’s signature brand without detracting from the ultimate end user signage.

The warehouse has a 12.5m haunch height and will be targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings and is PV ready. It has a 50m deep secure yard, 23 HGV spaces, nine loading docks including two Euro doors, and four level access doors.

Matthew Ward, Architectural Assistant, adds “The massing of the building has been carefully considered, creating a sense of place by designing active frontages through well-considered geometry, scaling sensitivity and well-thought materiality which addresses the site access and vantage points. Areas of mixed native woodland will be retained, and enhanced with modified grassland, beech hedge and semi-mature trees.”

Concludes Joseph: “In addition to creating new jobs, this development will support Coventry’s drive towards diversification and help boost the local economy by offering increased storage capacity and facilitating supply chain improvements. We are proud to have designed this scheme for Rula and look forward to delivering this and many more for them in future.”