Description

A large industrial site in Littleborough, on the outskirts of Rochdale, previously occupied by a plastic packaging manufacturing company. The site offered potential for refurbishment of the existing premises as well as land for a new build scheme.

Size

18 acres, incorporating over 200,000 sq ft of refurbished premises, a high profile 27,000 sq ft stand alone unit fronting the main road and up to 18 flexible new build industrial units to the rear of

Aims

To redevelop an ideal industrial site in an under utilised area, to provide local businesses with a higher quality of unit than previously available and to attract larger companies to consider locating in the area.

Challenges

The site provided a number of challenges throughout the build period including the presence of two rivers, a busy commuter railway adjacent to the site and poor ground conditions associated with valley bottom sites of this type. The rivers, combined with a very wet summer build period made this the wettest site that Beva have ever worked on.

Solutions

Working with the Environment Agency local flood alleviation works were improved by incorporating a drainage relief channel through the site. This also required liaison with Network Rail due to the proximity of the railway. The poor ground conditions mean that all of the new buildings were designed with piled foundations and suspended floor slabs.

Benefits

Once refurbished the site provided vacant premises which were immediately available, making it an attractive proposition to both local and international firms that expressed an interest in the location.
The development has succeeded in attracting new manufacturing businesses to the area and securing new job opportunities.