Winvic kicks off 222,000 sq ft Carlsberg Britvic build

The drinks giant will occupy the first 222,000 sq ft unit to be built at Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners’ £2bn West Midlands Interchange.

Carlsberg Britvic will invest £4m in the South Staffordshire site, to which it will move from its Wolverhampton site in late 2026 in a deal announced this summer.

The new depot, purpose-built to Carlsberg Britvic’s requirements, will feature facilities the firm said will support its growing logistics needs and renewed focus on energy efficiency and building performance.

BREEAM Excellent certification is the aim for a project that will be  ‘Net Zero Carbon Aligned’ based on the pilot UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard.

Ground was broken in late September on the unit. As a whole, the rail-linked WMI scheme could amount to 8m sq ft.

David Bodily, property & facilities director at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “The West Midlands Interchange will play an important role in Carlsberg Britvic’s logistics network, as the home to our West Midlands Depot serving customers throughout the region from Q4 2026.

“This is a very special moment for the development as work begins, and we are proud to take part and mark the occasion.

“Our new depot will provide a fantastic long-term hub for our people and reinforces the West Midlands role as a key centre for logistics in the UK, helping to drive growth and excellence.”

Robin Everall, head of development at Oxford Properties, added: “This groundbreaking ceremony at the West Midlands Interchange is an important milestone in the development of the UK’s foremost logistics hub, with its multi-modal transport connectivity and highly sustainable specifications attracting blue chip occupiers looking for bespoke warehouse space.

“We look forward to working with Carlsberg Britvic on the delivery of their new facility and welcoming them to the site once it’s completed next year.”

Carlsberg Britvic was formed when the management of Marston’s sold off the Carslsberg-Marston’s UK brewing business last year, to focus purely on hospitality.

The group is billed as the largest multi-beverage supplier in the UK, providing brands to UK hospitality including Kronenbourg 1664, Angelo Poretti, Brooklyn, Erdinger and J20, along with various real ale brands.

Under a deal with Pepsico, it is licensed to make and sell a further stable of soft drinks in the UK.

James Markby, managing partner at LCP, said: “We are extremely happy to have taken this major step forward for the West Midlands Interchange development.

“We were very proud to secure Carlsberg Britvic as our first occupier recently, and seeing work begin on Unit 5030 is another substantial event in our long-term ambitions.

“The WMI site is set to become the country’s most significant rail served logistics development and will become a crucial component of the UK’s strategic freight network. It will be key to decarbonising UK logistics and supporting the country’s wider net zero aspirations.

“It will also make a significant contribution to the local economy, creating 8500 direct jobs and boosting opportunities for people in South Staffordshire, the Black Country, the West Midlands, and other surrounding areas.

“We look forward to announcing occupiers of other units in future months, and working with these organisations to move into construction and operation”

Danny Nelson, managing director of industrial, logistics and distribution at Winvic, said:  “During our early contractor involvement and delivery of significant civils and infrastructure works, we have built collaborative relationships with Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners, so we are perfectly placed to deliver the first depot at one of the UK’s largest and most environmentally conscious intermodal logistics parks.

“Our team brings extensive experience of delivering similar sustainable, rail served sites and by working with our client, supply chain partners and the local authorities, WMI will give local people access to construction skills and employment, bringing significant economic benefit to the region and nationally.”