Retail warehouse
Retail warehouses are large, single-level stores, typically with a minimum of 1000 square metres gross retail floorspace, normally selling goods for home improvement or gardening, furniture, electrical goods, carpets and so on. They are most commonly found in the fringe of towns or in out of town locations.
Retail warehouses may be stand-alone buildings, or may be located on trading estates or parks. Generally, an agglomeration of at least three retail warehouses constitutes a retail warehouse park. They generally offer a significant amount of car parking, which may be shared with other retail warehouses.
The Valuation Office Agency suggests that the construction of retail warehouses shows greater visual similarity to warehousing than to standard shops. They usually occupy a single floor, the majority of which is devoted to sales, with some ancillary storage and office use.
Typically, they are
- Older buildings converted from a previous warehouse or industrial use.
- 1980s or 1990's modern estates or parks.
- Mid 1990s and 2000's larger, modern purpose-built units.
- From late 2000's, modern retail parks with a high street.
For planning permission purposes, retail warehouses come under use class A1 (shops) unlike other types of warehouse which are typically use class B8 (storage or distribution).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Asset management for environmental conditions - retrofitting strategies for simple buildings.
- BREEAM and retail.
- BREEAM Retail prize 2016.
- High street (planning and policy).
- Main town centre uses.
- Rental method of rating valuation.
- Sample retail unit lease.
- The impact of lighting in retail design.
- Types of building.
- Use class.
- Warehouse.
- What the new retail market will mean for the water sector.
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.