Adept appointed to build huge Next distribution centre in Doncaster

Leeds-based Adept Civil and Structural Consulting Engineers is playing a key role in the creation of one of the UK’s largest distribution centres on the outskirts of Doncaster.

The structural engineering firm is working with main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland and steelwork contractor Billington Structures on the 58,000 sq m, 25 metre high distribution centre and offices for retail giant Next.

Work on-site is now well underway and almost 5,000 tonnes of steel is being used to create the structure.

Erol Erturan, managing director from Adept, said: “Our firm has been responsible for both the concept and detailed design on this exciting project and we are delighted to be working on it. With this project for Next, and a raft of other distribution centre builds starting or under construction at the moment, it’s a very positive time for this sector of the market.”

The distribution centre is situated at IDI Gazeley’s 115 acre G Park in Doncaster and is being built around a steel-framed multi-span portal frame, which measures up to 380 metres in length and has spans of up to 37 metres.

Erol added: “A steel structure is the ideal solution for this build, as it is quick to construct, cost effective and will accommodate the long span qualities needed. We’ve also designed flexibility into the steel frame so that it not only meets the demands of the business now, but there is flexibly for further expansion in the future.”

One end of the distribution centre will have a four storey office block attached, and a conveyor link bridge from the north eastern corner of the building is being built so that stock can be transferred to the existing Next warehouse, across Holme Wood Lane.

Erol explained: “The bridge will be a four span 120 metre long structure formed with a series of trusses to accommodate the double deck configuration. The lower deck will feature conveyor belts for transporting goods and the upper deck will be a pedestrian thoroughfare for staff.”

Ben Howard, Bowmer & Kirkland’s project manager, commented: “We chose to work with Adept and Billington Structures as both firms are specialists in their fields. It’s a large scale complex project that demands skilled design teams who are highly experienced and professional and we are confident with the joint efforts of everyone working on this project, the distribution centre will be completed by early 2016.”

As well as the design, Adept was also commissioned by Next to carry out aerial video and photography from the firm’s quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drone to capture video footage and photos.

Matthew Ramsden, Adept’s director who is a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) qualified UAV operator, concluded: “The pictures were taken with the drone from the legal limit of 400 feet above the Doncaster warehouse and we were able to capture some truly remarkable images. As well as providing visually striking photography that can showcase a development or property profile, the UAV photography is also a really great way of investigating sites with potential hazards.”

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