sbh provides Due Diligence expertise to deliver bespoke warehouse to MFI

sbh provides Due Diligence expertise to deliver bespoke warehouse to MFI

Warehouse and distribution property specialist sbh has completed a major project management assignment to adapt a spec-built 83,100m² (750,000ft²), to make it suitable for use by furniture retailer MFI. Located on Nimbus Park, Doncaster, close to the M18, the 15.8m internal height facility includes a three-storey office block with planning consent for a rail connection.

With very few speculative projects of this size on the market, MFI concluded that acquiring and modifying a completed facility, even with the work involved, was a faster and more effective solution than commissioning a new building. As a result sbh.uk was appointed to provide a full due diligence review and subsequent management of the project including design recommendations, a detailed and complete fit-out specification, forms of procurement, budgets and potential contractors.

sbh’s Chris Berry commented on the extent of the modifications needed. “Warehouses of this size are still uncommon and many architects fail to take into consideration the nature and volume of goods and traffic involved – and the implications for staffing levels. We ensured that the programme provided considerable flexibility with the ability to reflect changes in business, and helped select a team of contractors that we knew from experience could work as a team to deliver the project’s objectives on time and within budget.

The works included a full M & E installation, data cabling, sprinklers, additional offices, new in-bound and out-bound offices with canopies, relocating some dock levellers, providing the infrastructure for a future vehicle wash and fuel island, and extending the toilet provisions and installing a full commercial kitchen.”

January - 2008