The Client & Challenge
Marks & Spencer required a comprehensive refurbishment of the roof at its Swindon Distribution Centre to extend the life of the existing asset while ensuring safe access for both the refurbishment works and future maintenance.
The objective was to avoid the cost, disruption and environmental impact of a full roof replacement by encapsulating the existing roof with a modern liquid-applied waterproofing system. Alongside this, the client required a permanent roof access solution that would provide compliant fall protection for contractors undertaking ongoing inspection and maintenance activities.
With the distribution centre operating throughout the project, all works needed to be carefully planned to minimise disruption while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety.
Marks & Spencer
Our Approach
The existing roof was thoroughly prepared before being encapsulated using a high-performance liquid-applied waterproofing system. The seamless membrane created a durable, fully bonded protective barrier over the existing roof, eliminating vulnerable joints and significantly reducing the risk of future water ingress while extending the operational life of the asset.
In parallel, permanent EN795 Type C horizontal lifeline systems were installed across the roof, providing compliant fall protection for both the refurbishment programme and all future maintenance activities. By integrating permanent safety infrastructure into the refurbishment works, the project delivered a complete long-term solution rather than a temporary construction measure.
Detailed planning, phased working and close coordination between roofing specialists and access engineers ensured the project progressed safely and efficiently within a live logistics environment.
Marks & Spencer
Delivery & Collaboration
Working within an operational distribution centre required careful sequencing of works, robust communication and strict adherence to site safety procedures. All activities were coordinated with the wider refurbishment programme, ensuring roofing works, safety system installation and operational requirements remained fully aligned throughout delivery.
Comprehensive site-specific RAMS, permit-to-work procedures and quality inspections ensured the project was completed safely while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the distribution facility.
Marks & Spencer
Results / Outcomes for the Client
The integrated refurbishment delivered significant operational and long-term asset benefits, including:
- Extension of the roof’s service life without the need for full replacement.
- A seamless waterproofing system providing long-term protection against water ingress.
- Permanent EN795 Type C roof safety systems supporting safe access for future inspections and maintenance.
- Reduced disruption compared with traditional roof replacement methods.
- Lower whole-life maintenance costs through durable roofing and permanent access infrastructure.
- Improved safety for contractors working at height.
- A modern, future-ready roofing solution supporting the continued operation of one of Marks & Spencer’s key distribution facilities.
Marks & Spencer
Nationwide Capability
This project forms part of our ongoing work supporting nationally recognised retail and logistics operators with specialist roofing refurbishment and permanent access solutions.
By combining modern liquid roofing technologies with engineered fall protection systems, we help clients protect critical operational assets while extending building life and reducing lifecycle costs across large property portfolios.
Marks & Spencer
Sustainability & Modernity Proof Points
Rather than removing and replacing the existing roof, the refurbishment retained the existing roof structure and utilised a liquid-applied encapsulation system to significantly extend its operational life. This approach reduced demolition waste, lowered embodied carbon and minimised disruption to the operational facility.
Additional sustainability and modern delivery benefits included:
Roof encapsulation instead of full replacement, reducing material waste and landfill.
Lower embodied carbon through asset retention and refurbishment.
Seamless liquid-applied waterproofing system providing long-term weather protection.
Permanent EN795 Type C roof safety systems reducing the need for temporary access equipment during future maintenance.
Improved lifecycle performance through a refurbishment-first approach aligned with modern asset management strategies.
The completed project demonstrates how intelligent refurbishment and permanent access solutions can improve safety, extend asset life and support more sustainable building management without compromising operational performance.
