Top Seven Tips for Warehouse Expansion in the UK

Did you know that in the first quarter of 2025, the UK became the fastest-growing economy among G7 countries? Presently, in 2025, there are 5,025 warehouse and storage facilities in the UK. With economic growth on the rise, businesses in the UK need more storage and warehouse facilities. 

If you own a warehouse in the country, this might be the perfect time to expand it.  The warehouse expansion will enable the storage facility to store a greater quantity of goods.

However, it is challenging to expand an already functional warehouse. Read on to know how the following top seven warehouse expansion tips can help you complete the process seamlessly.

Assess Future Storage Needs

When you plan for a warehouse expansion, you should do it while keeping the vision for the next 5 to 10 years. If everything goes right, your business will grow over the years. It is not possible to scale up your warehouse and storage facility every time your business grows.

Consider the business growth trend over the last 3-5 years and calculate how it can grow over the next 5 to 10 years. You can install a racking system and use automated robots in your warehouse with a futuristic goal in mind. With these systems in your warehouse, you will be able to access stored goods faster.

However, a poorly planned warehouse expansion might not be beneficial in the future. If you predict lower business growth than its potential, you might not scale up the warehouse as required. As a result, you will likely experience a space shortage in a few years, necessitating another expansion.

Check for Planning Permission and Compliance

You must follow UK building regulations and fire safety measures in your warehouse and storage facility. However, you don’t need to apply for planning permission to extend warehouses. A warehouse extension is considered to be permitted development.

Still, you would have to follow certain guidelines, for example, no new building should be higher than 5 meters, considering it is within 10 meters of the curtilage boundary. Otherwise, if you are extending the warehouse that is within the curtilage boundary, it can go up to 15 meters or should be lower than any existing building inside the curtilage boundary.

Evaluate Structural Capacity

The warehouse may be 3 to 5 years old, and the building may have structural issues that you are unaware of. Ensure that the warehouse is sufficiently robust to accommodate both horizontal and vertical expansion.

Hire professionals to carry out a structural assessment of the warehouse. If you identify any structural issues, you can address them and proceed with your warehouse expansion work.

Minimise Workflow Disruption During Construction

Please don't shut down the warehouse operations completely during its expansion. Instead, communicate with the construction contractors to complete the expansion process in phases.

If you are expanding horizontally, then choose the other side of the warehouse to store goods.  Once you complete the renovation work on one side, you can transfer goods from the different section here. If you are expanding vertically, consider a phased expansion strategy.

To complete the expansion work in such live warehouses, select contractors with on-site experience.

Prioritise Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Adopt a sustainable approach during the expansion process. You can utilise sustainable construction materials, install solar panels on the roof, and use LED lighting inside the warehouse.

Sustainable construction materials create long-term value. Moreover, LED lights inside the warehouse and solar panels on the rooftop will help reduce electricity costs. The initial investment might be on the higher side, but you can achieve the break-even point within a few years.

Plan for Access Points and Vehicle Circulation

If you have a reasonably large warehouse, you will need to plan for multiple loading and unloading points. Additionally, you should plan for its easy accessibility in the warehouse. In a large warehouse, there must be divided sections where different types of goods can be stored.

You don't want vehicles inside the warehouse to collide with workers. Install signage and mark the pedestrian lane and vehicle lanes inside the warehouse. Additionally, install sufficient lighting for a smooth operation in the warehouse.

Integrate Scalable Tech Infrastructure

Install modern technologies to upgrade the warehouse functionality. For example, you may install an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) in the warehouse to increase operational speed. Moreover, the conveyor system and inventory management software can be utilised for better functionality.

It is best to install technical equipment during the expansion period. Otherwise, it becomes more challenging to install systems like ASRS and conveyor in the post-construction period.

Conclusion

Warehouse expansion is a crucial task to consider when scaling up your business. Consider a sustainable approach and phased expansion planning to keep the facility operational while workers complete the expansion work. Contact a reliable contractor, such as Warehouse Construction Contractors, for customised warehouse expansion planning.