Prologis Submits Plans for 762,000 Sq Ft Unit at DIRFT

Why It Matters

The project expands high‑spec, rail‑connected warehouse capacity in the UK’s Midlands, reinforcing supply‑chain resilience and sustainability as e‑commerce and food‑service logistics scale up.

Key Takeaways

• DC762 adds 762k sq ft of rail‑connected warehousing
• Features 18 m height, 114 dock doors, BREEAM Outstanding
• Includes 700 kWp solar, generating power for ~200 homes
• Part of >1 m sq ft DIRFT expansion, two units pending
• Responds to rising demand for large, sustainable logistics spaces

Pulse Analysis

DIRFT has become a cornerstone of the UK’s intermodal logistics network, leveraging its direct rail links to major ports and distribution corridors. Prologis’s DC762 proposal underscores the strategic importance of locating large‑scale warehouses near rail infrastructure, reducing reliance on road haulage and cutting transit times for high‑volume shippers. By anchoring its expansion in the Midlands, Prologis taps into a geographic sweet spot that balances proximity to consumer markets with access to national freight arteries.

The design of DC762 reflects a growing industry emphasis on sustainability and operational efficiency. An 18‑metre clear height maximises vertical storage, while 114 dock doors streamline inbound and outbound flows, supporting cross‑docking and rapid turnover. Achieving BREEAM “Outstanding” and EPC “A+” ratings positions the facility among the most energy‑efficient warehouses in Europe, and the 700 kWp solar installation is projected to power roughly 200 homes, illustrating a tangible commitment to renewable energy integration.

For the broader logistics sector, DC762 signals heightened confidence in the UK’s long‑term supply‑chain outlook despite recent macro‑economic headwinds. The surge in enquiries for DIRFT plots reflects shippers’ preference for scale, connectivity, and certainty, especially as e‑commerce and food‑service distribution demand larger, climate‑resilient assets. As Prologis and competitors fill the remaining million‑plus square feet of consented space, the Midlands is set to cement its role as a pivotal logistics hub, driving investment, job creation, and a shift toward greener, rail‑centric freight solutions.