Extensive civil and structural engineering works by Building Design Northern (BDN) are nearing completion on the first of three new major warehouse facilities at Merchant Park, a highly strategic, £90m industrial development in the north of England.

The 65-acre park, being delivered by Merchant Anglo in County Durham, is one of the largest inward investment and manufacturing projects to come out of the ground (and the North East region) in recent years.

The latest phase – Millenium Way, a 13-acre development within the Newton Aycliffe site, will see high quality, bespoke industrial and commercial space totalling 266,000 sq ft soon become available to individual companies looking to expand, relocate or launch in the UK. This could also enhance regional supply chains across multiple sectors.

BDN is working closely with main contractor, Hall Construction Services, to provide detailed civil and structural engineering services for the first of three new portal frame warehouses. This comprises 52,500 sq ft of high-quality accommodation and has called upon the team’s extensive engineering services to deliver technical design (RIBA stage 04) through to construction delivery (RIBA stage 05).

Comprehensive structural designs including site foundations and substructures, technical plans for below ground surface areas and external engineering works comprising the main access road and building, yard slabs, ramps, kerbing and more, have also been delivered.

Andrew Webb, Civil Engineering Director at Building Design Northern (BDN), explained, “BDN’s work supporting Hall Construction (on behalf of Merchant Anglo) has been far reaching and has called on the team’s vast structural and civil engineering knowledge, skills and industry expertise to create a sustainable design approach to this commercial project.

“This is the first warehouse building – circa 52,500 sq ft on Millenium Way to complete, and this is to be followed by another two similar structures on the 13-acre plot. It’s a great example of a high-worth, well-executed, fit-for-purpose commercial scheme that has been built to meet continued market demand and we therefore hope to continue our relationship with the project across future phases.”

Millenium Way, located adjacent to Hitachi, will encourage further investment, jobs creation and new growth opportunities for the north and wider UK.

BDN is an award-winning architectural, civil and structural engineering company working with commercial, industrial and residential clients across the UK. It has offices in the North East and North West of England.