The steel framed distribution centre with combination of microrib and trapezoidal cladding will hold a 6,650m² cold store, a 3,500m² chill store and a 9,590m² ambient store all with additional energy efficiency measures to improve delivery costs as well as making the building more sustainable.
The two-storey office building alongside the distribution centre will accommodate Heron Foods head office staff along with warehouse staff and drivers. This will form the hub of their distribution and sales operation. The facility has been designed to allow for the expansion of Heron's operations in the future.
Chris Blenkarn, business manager (building) at VolkerStevin, said: "We have been working with the team at Heron Foods for some time, developing these bespoke buildings so that they fit the business' exact requirements. We are delighted now to be able to start ground works and make this scheme a reality."
The £14.5m contract, which is expected to be complete in late 2009, also includes all ancillary buildings, associated MEICA and all infrastructure works. The design team formed by Volker Stevin consists of architects, Building Link Design, structural engineers HBPW Consulting as well as VolkerStevin's in house project team.