Glencar Starts Steelwork on Distribution Hub in Durham for Repeat Client Bidfood.

18th August 2025

The 86,098 sq ft temperature-controlled facility in Durham will consolidate Bidfood’s Northeast operations and create future capacity for local employment.

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Glencar has commenced steel erection at a new temperature-controlled distribution centre for Bidfood, one of the UK's leading food service providers.

This marks a significant milestone in the £20.5 million scheme off Drum Road in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

A ceremony was held on-site to celebrate the first structural steel being installed, attended by representatives from Glencar, Bidfood, and key project stakeholders. The facility will serve as Bidfood’s new Northeast regional hub, consolidating operations from Gateshead.

The new depot, totalling 86,098 sq. ft., will include 23,628 sq. ft. of cold store, 8,833 sq. ft. of chilled marshalling area, and 3,114 sq. ft. of chill store, alongside a large ambient warehouse. The building also incorporates a two-storey main office, transport pod office, refuse and plant areas, and a significant external yard.

Glencar’s scope includes enabling infrastructure and delivering a new estate road under a Section 278 agreement. The scheme targets a BREEAM Very Good rating, including low-carbon design features, 198 car parking spaces, 50 cycle bays, and EV charging infrastructure to support long-term sustainability.

This marks Glencar’s second project for Bidfood, following the completion of their Worcester distribution facility in spring 2025.

Tom Kearsley

North Regional Director at Glencar

“We are incredibly pleased to work again with Bidfood on this new strategic development. It’s great to mark progress with the installation of steelwork and to see the facility beginning to take shape. This project reflects our strong track record in delivering complex cold chain and logistics infrastructure, and we look forward to seeing it through to completion.”

The new site will be key to bolstering Bidfood’s regional logistics operations and accommodating team growth as the business scales.

Mark Wood

Chief Operating Officer at Bidfood

“We're delighted to be working with Glencar again and to see progress taking shape on what will be a flagship facility for Bidfood in the region. This development marks a significant milestone in strengthening our operations across the Northeast. Further, it reflects our long-term commitment to investing in infrastructure supporting our customers and people.

This new Durham site will allow us to consolidate services, improve efficiencies and futureproof our regional network. It also presents the opportunity for local employment, with the potential to grow our team.”