Birkenhead Grandidges Quay, Peel Ports

Project Overview
Grandidges Quay, Birkenhead comprises the design and construction of a high-specification quayside warehouse and integrated cross-laminated timber (CLT) office facility, delivered for Peel Ports Group at West Float, Birkenhead.

Now complete, the development provides a 158,904 sq ft single-span logistics facility alongside a 5,000 sq ft two-storey timber office, forming the new UK headquarters for specialist wood manufacturer Finsa UK. The scheme consolidates operations into a single, efficient quayside location, supporting operational growth, supply chain efficiency and long-term adaptability within a strategically important port environment.

Project Requirements
The client required a robust, high-capacity logistics and manufacturing facility capable of supporting specialist operational workflows, alongside high-quality office, showroom and trade counter accommodation. Key requirements included a large clear-span warehouse, integrated office space, deep service yards for HGV movements, and a fully fitted Cat B internal environment.

The project also required close coordination with port operations to maintain safety, access and continuity of adjacent activities throughout construction within an active port environment.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed under a Design and Build contract to deliver the full construction of the warehouse, CLT office facility and associated infrastructure. This included coordination of the design team, management of structural and building systems delivery, and full Cat B fit-out, while working closely with Peel Ports Group and wider stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient delivery through to practical completion.

Scope of Works
Site Preparation & Ground Engineering
Extensive site preparation and ground engineering works to create a stable development platform within a quayside environment.

Warehouse Construction
Construction of a 158,904 sq ft single-span warehouse with a 52m clear span, designed to support high-capacity logistics and manufacturing operations.

Office Accommodation
Delivery of a 5,000 sq ft two-storey cross-laminated timber (CLT) office, incorporating sustainable materials and providing high-quality office, showroom and trade counter facilities.

Building Systems & Infrastructure
Installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, battery storage systems and rainwater reuse infrastructure to support operational efficiency and sustainability.

External Works & Yards
Construction of service yards, landscaping, EV charging infrastructure and associated external works to support logistics operations and site accessibility.

Fit-Out Works
Full Cat B fit-out including office, showroom and trade counter spaces, designed to support flexible operations and user requirements.

Technical & Delivery Challenges
The project required the delivery of a large-scale logistics facility within an active port environment, presenting logistical and safety challenges. Careful coordination of construction activities, structural elements and site access was essential to maintain programme certainty while minimising disruption to ongoing port operations.

Delivery Conditions Addressed

Live port environment with operational constraints
High-specification logistics and manufacturing facility
Integration of warehouse and CLT office construction
Full Cat B fit-out including showroom and trade counter
Complex external and infrastructure works
Programme-driven delivery

Sustainability & ESG
Sustainability was embedded throughout the development, including the use of cross-laminated timber in the office structure, integrated photovoltaic panels, battery storage and rainwater reuse systems. These measures reduce both embodied and operational carbon while supporting long-term building performance.

The project also delivered wider social value through job creation, apprenticeships and engagement with the regional supply chain, contributing positively to the local community.

The Outcome
The completed Grandidges Quay development provides a modern, sustainable and highly efficient quayside logistics facility, establishing Finsa UK’s new headquarters in Birkenhead and supporting its continued growth.

Delivered to a high standard, the scheme enhances Peel Ports Group’s infrastructure offering and reinforces Glencar’s expertise in delivering complex industrial and logistics developments within operational port environments.