At 8 million square feet the WMI is the UK’s largest logistics development site and one of the biggest in Europe, bringing together road, rail and canal transport infrastructure in a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange.

The development’s Green Belt and AONB location required not just the mitigation of unavoidable loss of green land – but exceptional enhancements to the surrounding environment. Constant reassessment of the scheme, influenced by community consultation, environmental considerations, and occupier needs, ensured that the masterplan was designed to respond sensitively to its unique context.

The masterplan creates two new country parks spanning 109 acres, with the local community engaged in their design and long-term management. Earth bunds and planting form structural landscaping buffers on the perimeter of the site, creating a visual screen and protecting views towards the development while enhancing the immediate environment. The planting of new woodland and tree belts will provide a net gain in woodland and tree planting areas across the scheme.

The local environmental assessment included nocturnal monitoring and surveys of bat and badger populations and activity, as well as design interventions such as artificial setts to protect otters that commute through the canal, which is subject to a canal enhancement strategy. A programme of archaeological work across the site identified and recorded late Bronze Age features prevalent in the local area.

Following planning approval for the masterplan, we are designing the detail for the first plots to be constructed on the300-hectare site for its developers.

Sensitive massing and elevation treatments to plots will mitigate the visual impact of the buildings, including pixelated facades which change colour from darker to lighter greens and greys depending on different viewpoints.

The development of the design addressed targeting net zero carbon, the sustainable management of energy, water, waste and transportation, and the appropriate specification of materials. Indoor environmental quality and user well-being will reflect WELL^TM criteria, and the development is aiming for BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding and LEED Certification.