Behind the Project:

Moor Park 25

The development of Moor Park 25, in West Yorkshire, has been a fantastic demonstration of how early collaboration can help to optimise project design and minimise costly redesigns.

Moor Park 25 is a significant new industrial warehouse and distribution development located close to Junction 25 of the M62 in Huddersfield. Units were made available from 20,000 to 175,000 sq ft at the 15.4 acre development, with benefits available to occupiers and purchasers because of the site’s location within an Enterprise Zone. Work began on site in early 2019, with construction of the final units set to commence in Spring 2020.

As with any large industrial development of this kind, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant regulations was vital not only to ensure compliance, but also to optimise the design of the project. Developer Caddick Developments knew that a greater upfront understanding of relevant legislation could reduce the need for any costly redesign once enabling works and construction had started. They turned to the Bureau Veritas Construction Consultancy team for support.

Expertise throughout the scheme

Bureau Veritas was appointed to the scheme as the Building Control body, responsible for ensuring Building Regulations compliance for the scheme and issuing relevant statutory notices such as the Final Certificate.

The project was split into three main phases; firstly, enabling works in early 2019 to prepare the site for development including initial drainage, ground improvement works and remedial measures to previous coal mining works below ground; phase two saw the construction of Unit 1 (June 2019); and the final phase will see the remaining units built from Spring 2020.

Rob Cuthbertson, managing surveyor for Bureau Veritas, has worked on the scheme since phase one. He said: “We were initially appointed for the base build elements of the units but have also since been appointed on the fit-out of Unit 1 by the client Wesco.

“Linking the base build with fit-out helps to smooth the progress, ensuring consistency of service and enhanced knowledge of the enabling and base builds flows to the unit fit-out. In fact, consistency of service has been key throughout this project.

“The work completed to date has gone very smoothly. Information was requested and provided in good time and the projects were never rushed; site inspections were taken at relevant times and the plan assessment continually updated.”

Providing advice in good time

Rob Cuthbertson adds: “One of the biggest benefits to this collaborative, partnership approach is in minimising design changes. Works are ongoing to fit-out Unit 1 and we are being sure to give advice good time in regard to possible design options, like the usage, sizes and travel distances of mezzanine floors for example.

“We are using our knowledge of the regulations to ensure compliance but also ensure a design which works for the agent and for the client. By giving advice to the design team early in the design stage, we can make sure they are aware of relevant legislation which could affect their design and prevent the need for changes later down the line.

On the base build of Unit 1, for example, we have support with the concept of foundation design, structural fire resistance and boundary conditions. Our tracker was used to highlight these fundamental elements on the project and ensure they were visible to all involved as critical elements of the base build.

“When it comes to the fit-out, one key issue has been the maximum size of a mezzanine before it needs fire resistance to be built into the design, which could have a significant impact on cost and build time.”

Leaving our mark

The location and scale of this development also threw up some interesting challenges for the project team during the enabling works, particularly ground improvement and coal mining remedial works.

The scheme included filling a deep void created by historical mining works, as well as filling and capping mine shafts on site. In addition, mini piling works were undertaken to increase the loading capacity of the ground and allow development.

Rob concludes: “All in all, this has been a very interesting and successful client. We have continued to work to ensure our practices are done in good time and to ensure there is no delay on receiving our information. The handover process was very smooth and certification delivered on schedule for the completed phases one and two.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this project through to completion, having worked on it from the start and seen the positive impact it has had on the local area.

“It’s always pleasing to be part of a development which creates jobs and infrastructure, leaving our mark with a high-quality development which will provide a good environment to work in and deliver key employment opportunities for local people.”   

To speak to our Building Control team, or to find out more about our construction consultancy services.