Muir Construction has been appointed as main contractor and is now on-site starting with sub-structure preparation before the erection of the steelwork.

Over the next 39 weeks, Muir Construction will join forces with West Ranga Management and its design team consisting of Ashton Smith Associates, Currie & Brown, Woolgar Hunter Engineers, Butler Consulting Engineers, and Turner & Townsend to successfully deliver the development which is due to complete in Q1 2024.

Connect-70 extends to 72,733 sq ft on a site of 4.13 acres and has been designed with sustainability in mind with a target to achieve EPC A and BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings. The building benefits from a range of sustainable credentials such as EV charging points, 15% roof lights, a roof-mounted photovoltaic system and air source heat pumps, so it can be heated without fossil fuels.

The design takes account of modern logistics operators’ requirements, with 12 metres eaves, eight dock loading bays, two level access doors and first floor offices extending to 345 Sqm (3,714 Sq.ft). Externally the site will accommodate a 50-metre-deep concrete surfaced yard with 16 trailer parking bays and ample space for turning in addition to 42 car parking spaces, including eight EV charging and three disabled parking bays.

Phil Watson, director of West Ranga Management, said: “We are excited to have reached this milestone and we look forward to working with Muir Construction given its enviable track record in delivering similar projects. Connect-70 has been designed to meet a shortfall in the supply of high-quality sustainable warehousing space across Scotland.”

David Fairweather, business development director at Muir Construction, said: “We were delighted to be given the opportunity by West Ranga Management, to again demonstrate their design and build expertise in a market that whilst challenging, remains at the forefront of a recovering economy. Key to this is our continued presence in the area allowing us to sustainably support the local community with job, training and third sector project opportunities.

“We are also looking forward to continuing our work with DYW to engage with the local high school and college to help advise and mentor young people who may be interested in working in the construction industry.”