Big is beautiful as Box bring Goliath back to life
Box Architects are helping refurbish the largest commercially available warehouse in the UK – and encouraging wellbeing for all its employees.
We’re providing architectural and interior design services for Goliath Coventry, which will offer 800,000 sq ft of space when complete. The facility sits on a 41-acre site just off the M6 within the Midlands ‘Golden Triangle’, the centre of UK logistics. The warehouse includes a 16.2m high warehouse, 210 car parking spaces and 119 dock loading doors. The scale is truly monumental but the biggest challenge for Box Architects is to bring a ‘human’ dimension to the facility; to promote the wellbeing of everyone who will work there and visit.
It’s something we feel passionate about, and was discussed by Box CEO Graham Place in a recent blog, called, ‘Is wellbeing for the many… or the few?’. Graham said: “I would encourage us all to consider wellbeing as a topic for the majority of working people, not just the elite.” And it’s particularly relevant in the fast-growing logistics sector, where size and scale does not always lead to an employee-friendly environment.
At Goliath Coventry, we will focus on refurbishing the security gate house and main entrance to welcome visitors and deliveries, and will lead a Category A fit-out of reception, cellular and open offices, canteen, WC and staff facilities. Interior finishes will be carefully chosen to separate the logistical operations areas from the vast warehouse beyond.
As the logistics sector continues to grow rapidly and become more sophisticated, the project is a great opportunity to introduce modern workplace thinking to improve ‘let-ability’ and employee wellbeing.
- Creating facilities that promote wellbeing for employees and visitors
- Designing modern facilities to attract new tenants
- Retaining logistical advantages of the site