Winvic Construction has been appointed to a £1bn logistics development which is expected to create thousands of jobs in the West Midlands.
West Midlands Interchange (WMI), a 734-acre strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) at M6 Junction 12, has appointed Winvic Construction Ltd as its design stage delivery partner.
The project will offer more than eight million sq ft of commercial space, with units ranging from 200,000 to 1.2 million sq ft, supported by its own dedicated rail hub.
The pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) role is the first of four phases of the development programme, followed by early enabling works, infrastructure works and vertical unit delivery.
It is anticipated that the project, which is being financed by Oxford Properties, the property arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS, in partnership with European developer Logistics Capital Partners (LCP), will create 8,500 jobs for the region during its development, construction and operation.
Rob Cook, Winvic's director of civils and infrastructure, said: "We're thrilled that Oxford Properties and LCP values Winvic's sustainability credentials and experience in designing and constructing similar schemes, as well as our commitment to community and stakeholder collaboration.
"As the leading main contractor in the UK for delivering complex strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) projects, we're able to draw on our extensive project knowledge and assemble a skilful team to meet requirements, find innovative efficiencies and ultimately deliver the design stage output in a considered and forward-thinking way."
As well as providing new logistics floorspace, the scheme is intended to feature 109 acres of country park to protect and promote biodiversity.
Oxford Properties and LCP acquired the WMI site in July 2021.
Andy Busby, UK construction director at LCP, said: "We are pleased to welcome Winvic to the delivery team. They bring extensive experience of constructing large-scale complex logistics projects like this, and demonstrated a clear understanding of the leading approach we want to take to sustainable design, cutting edge automation, and lasting economic and social impact for the region.
James Boadle, head of logistics and residential, Europe at Oxford Properties, added: "It's an important milestone for the project as we begin delivery in earnest, having spent Q3 and Q4 of 2021 preparing the site and building a collaborative approach with key partners including the local community, South Staffordshire District Council and Staffordshire County Council.
"With huge demand in the logistics market, we are keen to have a first offering ready in 2023."