Baker Mallett were appointed by Royal Mail Group to act as Quantity Surveyor and Employers Agent for the new Chorley Parcelforce Hub. This facility was a strategic investment by Royal Mail, creating a large and efficient North West Hub which substantially increased the organisation’s nationwide capacity.

The building comprises 44 large loading docks that linked directly to the mechanisation and parcel movement systems contained within the building.

The site also features a separate two-storey office block, housing welfare, office and administration facilities. The building shell was procured to be erected extremely quickly, which enabled the early installation of the mechanised conveyor while the rest of the works were completed. To protect mail items from the external elements, full-length canopies cover the loading areas were adopted. As part of its heating strategy, the building uses Solar Wall: a maintenance-free, solar air heating system that heats ventilation air and improves overall air quality. The resulting state-of-the-art facility can process an incredible 12,000 parcels an hour.

Sustainability-wise, it achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’. The project also won several awards, including the RICS North West Commercial Project of the Year and a key International Safety Award.