Magnavale Bristol Construction Update

Magnavale Bristol Reaches Construction Milestones with 3000+ Piles Driven and Steelwork Starting to Be Erected

We are pleased to share a significant construction milestone at Magnavale Bristol, our new 90,000-pallet, fully automated frozen cold store at the junction of the M4 and M5 motorways.

Since works commenced in September 2025, the site has been cleared and secured, the piling mat installed,  and 3,227 piles completed. The precast walls that form the high bay are now being set in place, and the facility is visibly rising out of the ground.

The High Bay Starts to Take Shape

Installation of the insulation and main concrete slab for the high bay begins in early November, ready for the clad rack installation to commence in Q1 2027.

The clad rack will form both the structure and insulation of the 45-metre-high automated High-Bay Warehouse, delivered by our automation partner. It builds on the system delivered at Magnavale Easton, the largest single cold store ever built in the UK.

Progress Across the Wider Site

Elsewhere on site, steelwork for the Low Bay frame is being erected. The plant room has been built and clad, ready for the engineering installation to begin.

Addressing a Longstanding Gap in the South West

Positioned at the M4/M5 junction, Magnavale Bristol will provide 90,000 fully automated frozen pallet positions, running entirely on renewable energy, with direct road access to South West  England and South Wales.

It will address a longstanding shortage of high-capacity, automated cold storage in the region, supporting supply chain resilience and food security for food businesses across the South West and beyond.

Amanda Cogan, Chief Operating Officer at Magnavale, said:
“It is fantastic to see our Bristol facility start to rise out of the ground and take shape. The South West has a significant need for cold storage services with capability at scale, and this progress is encouraging for the businesses that have already expressed interest in the facility.”

We will continue to share updates as construction progresses. If you would like to find out more, or discuss how Magnavale Bristol could support your supply chain, please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Magnavale Bristol?

A new temperature-controlled storage facility in Bristol, able to hold 90,000 pallets of food products at frozen temperatures. It is currently under construction.

Where is Magnavale Bristol located?

At the junction of the M4 and M5 motorways in Bristol. With immediate access to both motorways, the site is well placed for inward and onward distribution, serving the South West of England and South Wales.

Why is a cold store needed in the South West?

The facility is designed to close a longstanding gap in high-capacity cold storage across the South West of England and South Wales, a region that has historically been underserved compared with the rest of the country.

How much storage capacity will it have?

90,000 pallet positions, all at frozen temperatures.

What pallet types and sizes can it manage?

All standard pallet formats, including CHEP, Euro and standard UK sizes, at heights up to 2.25 metres and weights up to 1,250kg.

What services will be available besides storage?

Dedicated value-added service mezzanine levels will support picking, packing, labelling, blast freezing, date coding, and export handling.

How are goods protected from fire?

A low oxygen, atmospherically controlled storage chamber prevents combustion by lowering O₂ below the level needed for combustion to start. This removes the need for traditional water-based fire suppression, so goods are protected from both fire and water damage.

Is the facility sustainable?

Yes. The cold store is highly energy-efficient and will run entirely on renewable energy, supporting customers looking for sustainable solutions.

What stage is construction at?

As of October 2026, over 3,200 piles are complete and the precast high bay walls are being installed. Installation of the insulation and main slab begins in early November, with the clad rack installation following in Q1 2027. Steelwork for the Low Bay Warehouse is going up, and the plant room is built and clad.

How does Magnavale Bristol fit into the wider Magnavale network?

All currently operational Magnavale cold stores are BRC-accredited to AA standard or above, with over 325,000 pallet positions across four UK facilities. Bristol will be the fifth site, joining Chesterfield, Scunthorpe, Warrington, and Easton.

How can I enquire about storage at Magnavale Bristol?

Contact the Magnavale team through the contact page to discuss how the facility could support your supply chain.