Project Catalyst, Washwood Heath

Project Overview
Project Catalyst, Washwood Heath comprises the design and construction of a new industrial park delivering four logistics and industrial units with individual sizes ranging from 22,500 sq ft up to 64,250 sq ft, providing a combined total of approximately 174,000 sq ft. Delivered for Aviva Investors, the development creates flexible, future-ready industrial accommodation tailored to modern logistics and manufacturing requirements.

The detached steel portal frame units have been designed to accommodate a wide range of occupiers, featuring clear internal heights of 8–12.5 metres, 50 kN/m² floor loadings, three-phase power, dock loading and level access doors to selected units.

Project Requirements
The client required a high-quality speculative industrial development capable of attracting a broad tenant base while delivering strong environmental performance. Key requirements included flexible unit sizing, robust structural capacity, high internal clearances, efficient servicing arrangements and compliance with BREEAM and EPC targets.

In addition, the scheme required infrastructure upgrades to support safe access and long-term operational resilience, including highway works delivered under a Section 278 agreement.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed under a Design and Build contract to deliver the full construction of the industrial park, coordinating design development, procurement, construction and infrastructure works through to completion. This included close collaboration with the project management and cost consultancy teams to ensure programme certainty, quality delivery and cost control.

Scope of Works

Industrial Units
Construction of four detached steel portal frame industrial units delivered with CAT A office accommodation, designed to provide flexibility for a wide range of industrial and logistics occupiers.

Structural & Building Fabric
High-specification structural frames designed to accommodate heavy floor loadings, generous eaves heights and adaptable internal layouts to support varied operational needs.

External Works & Infrastructure
Comprehensive external works including service yards, car parking, drainage, landscaping and circulation areas to support efficient site operation.

Highways & Access Works
Adaptation of Drews Lane as part of the new site entrance delivered under a Section 278 agreement, improving access, safety and connectivity to the wider road network.

Technical & Delivery Challenges
Delivering multiple industrial units within a single coordinated programme required careful sequencing of construction activities and infrastructure works. The integration of highway modifications alongside building delivery demanded close liaison with stakeholders to maintain programme momentum while ensuring compliance with technical and safety requirements.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
- Multi-unit industrial development
- High structural load requirements
- Highway and access works under Section 278
- Sustainability-led design and delivery
- Programme-driven speculative construction

Sustainability & ESG
Sustainability was central to the design and delivery of Project Catalyst, with the scheme achieving BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings. The development incorporates photovoltaic panels providing up to 200 kWp of renewable energy generation, optimised rooflight coverage to enhance natural daylighting, and energy-efficient building fabric to reduce operational carbon. These measures support long-term ESG objectives by improving energy performance, reducing environmental impact and delivering sustainable industrial accommodation for future occupiers.

The Outcome
Project Catalyst successfully delivers a high-quality, flexible industrial park that meets modern occupier demands while achieving strong sustainability credentials. The completed development provides Aviva Investors with a future-proofed logistics asset, reinforcing Glencar’s expertise in delivering multi-unit industrial schemes that combine performance, adaptability and environmental responsibility.