Works were completed at the former Hawksworth rail sidings where Bavarian company M Preymesser Logistics Limited have occupied a new 80000 square foot Steel Logistics Centre which manages delivery of steel coil to BMW Pressings Swindon Plant for the latest Mini. The steel coils come from suppliers in the U.K. and Continental Europe via a rail link directly into the Hawksworth facility. The coil is unloaded by 2 large gantry cranes and held until called off by BMW.

The process reduces the amount of packaging and environmental waste and is highly sustainable. This greater use of rail significantly reduces road traffic in the area and is further evidence of BMW’s commitment both to their Swindon Plant and to the Environment.

NC Architects were approached at the beginning of February 2006, to design and manage the development for delivery by the end of 2006. The challenging timescales meant the building had to be designed in two weeks and submitted for full planning permission in February 2006 with approval being granted following significant assistance by the council in April 2006. The enabling works, demolition and site clearance works were commenced in May followed by the appointment of Contractors in July.. Works commenced in earnest at the end of July with completion achieved in December 2006.

According to NC Architects Managing Director, Christopher Moore

“This project has been an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate that the skills and experience necessary to procure such a large industrial building specific to end user requirements are available here in Swindon. The safe execution of a building of this size, in such a tight timeframe, on a complex brownfield site adjoining Network Rail’s infrastructure, would not have been possible without local knowledge & the considerable help of Swindon Borough Council, Network Rail and the freight operator English Welsh and Scottish Railway. It has certainly been a challenge, but we are confident of the facility being operational on time and constructed within budget, meeting both our clients and BMW’s requirements.”

Client: Preymesser
Completed: November 2006
Project Leader: Christopher Moore
Project Manager: Christopher Moore