Durham Bidfood, Durham

Project Overview
The Bidfood Durham project comprised the design and construction of a purpose-built, temperature-controlled distribution centre located at Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street, County Durham. Delivered for national foodservice operator Bidfood, the facility is now fully operational and serves as the company’s Northeast regional hub, strengthening its logistics capability across the region.

The completed development provides a high-performance logistics facility designed to support modern foodservice distribution. The scheme incorporates a combination of ambient warehousing and specialist temperature-controlled environments, alongside supporting office and transport facilities, enabling efficient and scalable operations.

Project Requirements
Bidfood required a bespoke distribution facility capable of supporting high-volume foodservice logistics, with robust temperature-controlled environments and efficient vehicle circulation. Key requirements included dedicated cold and chilled storage areas, modern office accommodation, transport and servicing facilities, and extensive external works to support operational efficiency.

The scheme also required the delivery of new access infrastructure, including Section 278 works, to enhance connectivity to the surrounding highway network and accommodate HGV movements.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed under a Design and Build contract to deliver the full project, including the construction of the building, associated infrastructure and highway works. This included coordination of the design team, delivery of specialist temperature-controlled environments and management of site-wide external works through to successful completion.

Scope of Works
Warehouse & Logistics Facilities
Construction of a purpose-built distribution centre comprising a large ambient warehouse alongside 23,628 sq ft of cold store, 8,833 sq ft of chilled marshalling space and 3,114 sq ft of chill store, supporting efficient regional food distribution operations.

Office & Support Accommodation
Delivery of a two-storey main office and dedicated transport office, providing operational, management and driver welfare facilities.

External Works & Infrastructure
Extensive external works including a substantial service yard, vehicle circulation routes, refuse and plant areas, drainage, utilities and supporting infrastructure across the site.

Highways & Access Works
Delivery of Section 278 works and associated infrastructure to improve access and connectivity to the surrounding highway network, supporting efficient vehicle movements.

Technical & Delivery Challenges
The project required the successful coordination of multiple temperature-controlled environments within a single integrated facility, alongside office and transport functions. Careful planning and sequencing were essential to manage servicing, vehicle movements and external works, while maintaining programme certainty and meeting the operational requirements of a live foodservice supply chain.

Delivery Conditions Addressed

Occupier-led build-to-suit food logistics facility
Complex temperature-controlled environments
Integrated warehouse, office and transport functions
Extensive external and infrastructure works
Section 278 highway improvements
Programme-driven delivery

Sustainability & ESG
Sustainability was embedded within the development through a fabric-first approach and efficient building services to reduce operational energy demand. The facility incorporates EV charging infrastructure, 198 car parking spaces and 50 cycle bays, supporting sustainable transport options and long-term operational efficiency.

The Outcome
The completed Bidfood Durham facility provides a modern, resilient and highly efficient regional distribution hub, supporting Bidfood’s operations across the Northeast. Delivered to programme and to a high standard, the development enhances logistics capability, enables operational consolidation and provides capacity for future growth.

The project represents Glencar’s second successful collaboration with Bidfood, reinforcing its expertise in delivering complex, occupier-led temperature-controlled logistics developments.