The project will see the transformation of a 20,210 sq ft unit — located on Bestobell Road at the east of the Slough Trading Estate — into an environmentally sustainable industrial and warehouse space.

The refurbishment will be net-zero carbon in operation and is targeting a BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A+ rating.

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It will include a wide range of sustainability features, such as:

• smart building sensors to enable energy-efficient operation of the building
• photovoltaic panels on the roof, which are estimated to save 26 tonnes of carbon emissions per year
• energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, which aims to reduce CO2 by 12 tonnes and save around £11,000 per year
• a 55m² living wall on the front of the building, which is expected to trap 7,150 grams of dust, extract 126.5 kg of gas and 71.5 kg of particulate matter from the air, and produce around 93.5 kg of oxygen every year
• air source heat pumps
• water-reducing products, including self-closing taps for all wash basins and waterless urinals 
• electric vehicle charging points
• secure bicycle parking with biodiverse growing roofs and wildlife habitat panels, which will incorporate low-maintenance, drought-tolerant planting that is nectar-rich for butterflies, bees, moths and other invertebrate wildlife 
• additional bird and bat boxes, beehives and insect habitats to nest and increase pollination across the plot

The refurbishment is due to be complete in September this year.

The redevelopment is part of SEGRO’s portfolio of low or zero-carbon developments and aligns with the company’s responsible commitments to champion low-carbon growth and be net-zero carbon by 2030.

James Craddock, managing director - Thames Valley & group data centres at SEGRO, said: “The refurbishment of older buildings is an important part of our journey to be net-zero carbon by 2030. 

“This scheme at Bestobell Road is a great example of how these existing buildings, where appropriate, can be transformed into more modern, efficient, greener spaces that enable low-carbon growth now and into the future.

“Creating more sustainable spaces for a diverse mix of customers is also critical if we want to ensure that the Slough Trading Estate is the location of choice for both large and small businesses within the Thames Valley.”