Morrison Supermarkets plc

Regional Coldstore

This project, was constructed on infilled quarry site. Due to the uncertain, and potentially obstructive, nature of the backfill material 1200 steel piles were driven to a depth of up to 26m. Driven piles were also used as trials and indicated that contaminated material may be present at a depth of over twenty metres. Drainage to a depth of seven metres was also laid through the made ground and two balancing ponds, with a combined capacity of one million litres, deal with the runoff from the building and hardstandings.

The steel profile, sheet clad, three portal steel structure houses a 10,000 sq.m. freezer box, capable of temperatures down to -28 C has high bay static racking and 20 forklift access doors. The build also included a 1,000 sq.m. office and amenity area and plant areas. The underfloor concrete slab is insulated with a tubular antifreeze system to prevent potential ground freezing and consequent frost heave that would catastrophically damage the cold store floor. The accommodation is completed by a brick built gatehouse and driver amenity that allows entry from the access road also constructed as part of the scheme. Provision for 40 articulated lorries, a turning area and car parking deal with traffic movements.

Careful consideration was needed as the site has sensitive environmental issues and measures were taken during the construction process to conserve the existing wildlife. Two environmental ponds were constructed to create habitat for newts and snakes, including refuges for safety and hibernation, and newt fencing was erected and will be maintained throughout the life of the building.