Winvic starts on Panattoni's low carbon Swindon scheme

Winvic Construction has broken ground on a landmark 915,000 sq ft logistics and production facility at Panattoni Park, Swindon, marking the developer’s largest ever speculative unit in the UK.

Known as Unit S915, the scheme forms the second phase of redevelopment at the 370-acre former Honda manufacturing site, which is being transformed into a major logistics hub by Panattoni, Europe’s largest logistics property developer. Winvic previously delivered phase one of the regeneration, including extensive demolition and infrastructure works.

Designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A ratings, the unit is being built to Net Zero Carbon in Construction standards, aligning with the UK Green Building Council’s 2019 framework.

The new single-storey warehouse will feature a 17,365 sq ft two-storey main office, a 5,295 sq ft transport office, and a 1,808 sq ft external entrance tower and bridge. It will also include a gatehouse, internal plant deck, and a 21-metre clear haunch height, with future provision for vehicle maintenance. All external works, including roads, yards, car parking, drainage, and landscaping, are also part of the construction package.

The first phase, completed in September 2024, involved the demolition of over 15 buildings, extensive earthworks totalling 800,000m³, and installation of site-wide infrastructure, including new estate roads, drainage, and utilities. Sustainability played a central role, with on-site recycling of demolition materials and a balanced earthworks strategy reducing carbon impact.

Archaeological and ecological management was a significant component of the enabling works. Winvic collaborated with Oxford Archaeology on an eight-week programme that revealed multiple areas of historical interest. Environmental measures included badger sett relocation, installation of owl boxes, watercourse safeguarding, and tree protection to support biodiversity.

The regeneration has also prioritised local employment and skills development. Phase one included the hiring of former Honda employees and a student placement. Phase two will see the roll-out of a dedicated Employment and Skills Plan to provide training, education and community engagement opportunities.

Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Distribution at Winvic, said: “It’s a privilege to continue our strong relationship with Panattoni and to be entrusted with delivering its largest ever speculative unit, following the successful completion of the complex first phase. The demolition and enabling works presented significant challenges – not just due to the scale of the site but also the sensitive management of existing infrastructure on the brownfield site.”