Bidfood builds new temperature-controlled hub at Drum Industrial Estate

The 86,098 square feet site will consolidate the company’s North East operations, which are currently based in Gateshead.

Mark Wood, Chief Operating Officer at Bidfood, said: “This development marks a significant milestone in strengthening our operations across the North East, and further reflects our long-term commitment to invest in infrastructure that supports both our customers and our people.

“This new Durham site will allow us to consolidate services, improve efficiencies and futureproof our regional network. It also presents the opportunity for local employment, with the potential to grow our team.”

The facility will include 23,628 square feet of cold store, an 8,833 square feet chilled marshalling area, and 3,114 square feet chill store. The building also incorporates a two-storey main office, transport pod office, refuse and plant areas, and a large external yard.

Tom Kearsley, North Regional Director at Glencar, which is delivering the project, said: “We’re very pleased to work with Bidfood on this strategic new development. This scheme reflects our strong track record in delivering complex cold chain and logistics infrastructure, and we look forward to seeing it through to completion.”

Infrastructure works include a 7.3-metre-wide estate road delivered under a Section 278 agreement. The facility is targeting a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and will feature low-carbon design measures, EV charging points, 198 car parking spaces, and 50 cycle bays.