MWJV, a Cornish construction services consultancy, has been supporting the build of Spaceport Cornwall, which launched its first mission on Monday 9 January. The company has been managing the construction of the spaceport facilities at Cornwall Airport Newquay, which first began in January 2022. Spaceport Cornwall is the first place
Construction and consultancy company, Mace, has been appointed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to manage the second phase of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MANTP). The programme will expand Manchester Airport’s role as the UK’s global gateway in the North, transforming the passenger experience and helping attract new routes to
SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton (SLPN) will be the company’s first UK big-box logistics park to achieve net-zero carbon in the construction of all the units and delivery of the supporting infrastructure as a result of a pioneering partnership with primary contractor Winvic Construction Ltd. SLPN will deliver up to 5
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has acquired a prime site near Brighton for a 257,000 sq ft speculative logistics development to serve the south coast markets. The development, called Panattoni Park Brighton, is on a 12-acre site, which Panattoni has just acquired in
Tritax Symmetry has appointed GMI Construction to develop a 132,750 sq ft logistics facility at Symmetry Park Doncaster. The facility will be built on a speculative basis to net zero carbon in construction. “Symmetry Park Doncaster has become a prime logistics location with successful companies such as Butternut Box and
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has agreed three new lettings at Ascent Logistics Park in Leighton Buzzard. The largest of the three units, spanning 79,493 sq. ft., will be accommodated by wholesaler and retailer AS Colour, whilst healthcare provider HCA UK has taken an 60,835 sq. ft.
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects is celebrating a successful year of delivery with client SEGRO. Development of the new state-of-the-art multi-modal logistics hub in Northampton commenced in early 2021. Winvic has since surpassed a
Firethorn Trust, a leading commercial real estate investor and developer, has announced the successful leasing of two of its three industrial units at Peterborough South. The development, which is located just six minutes from Junction 17 of the A1(M) and adjacent to Fletton Parkway, is set to achieve practical completion
Developer Richardson Barberry today announced it has secured detailed planning consent for a £100 million development of eight warehouse units at a major North East business park. Durham County Council has approved the company’s plans for the first phase development of 830,500 sq ft of warehouse/logistics space on 42-acres of
Wates, one of the largest privately-owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK, has started construction work on a new gigafactory in Sunderland, for Envision AESC. The project the largest by single value in Wates’ 125-year history is AESC’s second Sunderland battery plant. It will have capacity of
MWJV, a Cornish construction services consultancy, has been supporting the build of Spaceport Cornwall, which launched its first mission on Monday 9 January. The company has been managing the construction of the spaceport facilities at Cornwall Airport Newquay, which first began in January 2022. Spaceport Cornwall is the first place in the UK to offer space launch capabilities. Roger Hannaford, Financial Director at MWJV, said: “We’ve been working closely with Spaceport Cornwall and the contractors to ensure the project is delivered on time, on budget and to the highest possible standard. Our work has included project management, quantity surveying, health & safety management and the appointment of a NEC Supervisor. “Working on Spaceport has been a fantastic opportunity and we’re now looking forward to finalising the project and celebrating its many future successful launches. It’s great to see such an innovative and nationally significant project come to life here in Cornwall.” The spaceport project includes the construction of two new buildings and supporting infrastructure. The Space Systems Integration Facility (SSIF) was completed in September and is now occupied by one of Spaceport Cornwall’s customers, Virgin Orbit. The SSIF is where the rockets are assembled and includes a large cleanroom, crane, and airlock for satellite integration activities, as well as welfare facilities, meeting rooms, and a large final assembly area. The second building, the Space Systems Operations Facility (SSOF), will be multi-purpose and is where on-site mission control will be based. The SSOF is currently being fitted out and is set to be completed by the end of March. Construction has been carried out by two main contractors, each with a supply chain of subcontractors. The principal contractors are Kier, which has led the general construction, and specialist firm Bassaire, which has headed up the cleanroom elements. MWJV Senior Project Manager Phil Knight said: “The project has been an interesting challenge for us to manage the delivery of the construction phase in readiness for Spaceport Cornwall’s first customer. The project has involved a complex supply chain comprising a multitude of specialist contractors required for the Space Systems Integration Facility fit out and supporting infrastructure.” The project also involves the installation of specialist equipment, including a shipping container-sized frequency converter, groundworks for access and car parking, and a rooftop solar array to help meet the building’s sustainability requirements for its BREEAM certification. Commenting, Ross Hulbert, Business Development Manager at Spaceport Cornwall said: “MWJV provided an excellent service in managing the delivery of these complex buildings. These facilities are key to attracting a sustainable space industry cluster on-site, bringing jobs and building local skills. We are also excited that we are providing great opportunities for local businesses, like MWJV, to expand their capabilities into the space industry.” The spaceport is the first of its kind in the UK, allowing for horizontal launches of satellites with a modified Boeing 747 and detachable wing-mounted rocket. Previously, satellite manufacturers had to take their products to other countries for launch. For more information on MWJV, visit the website here: www.mwjv.net Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction and consultancy company, Mace, has been appointed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to manage the second phase of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MANTP). The programme will expand Manchester Airport’s role as the UK’s global gateway in the North, transforming the passenger experience and helping attract new routes to key international destinations. The first phase of the £1.3bn programme has already seen Terminal 2 more than double in size. Representing a £440m investment, the phase two works will see the remainder of Terminal 2 modernised, and a second pier built. The programme is expected to complete in 2024, with the new facilities opening in 2025. Mace brings extensive experience managing the delivery of major aviation projects and programmes, most recently at Keflavik Airport in Iceland and Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. The business has global expertise working with a range of airport operators and carriers. The company has been appointed as the project management and construction delivery specialists for the redevelopment of Terminal 2 and the construction of the second phase of the new Pier 2 to create additional contact served aircraft stands. The transformation programme will contribute significant social and economic benefits to the surrounding community. Mace and its supply chain partners will create over 500 new jobs, while independent analysis commissioned by Manchester Airport shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network. The same research – by York Aviation – reveals the economic contribution Manchester Airport makes to the Northern economy will soar by £2.75bn as a result of the full delivery of its transformation programme. And a further £2.9bn boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period. Mace and its supply chain partners will also engage over 1,500 young people across Greater Manchester, aim to raise £70,000 for local charities and donate at least 500 hours of employee volunteering time. It has been established that at least 5% of the workforce should be apprentices for the duration of the project. During the build phase, over £75m will be contributed to the local area through wider business operations, regional supply chains and tourism recovery beyond the pandemic. Over £1.3m in social value has already been created to date. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton (SLPN) will be the company’s first UK big-box logistics park to achieve net-zero carbon in the construction of all the units and delivery of the supporting infrastructure as a result of a pioneering partnership with primary contractor Winvic Construction Ltd. SLPN will deliver up to 5 million sq ft of modern distribution space and a new 35-acre rail freight terminal, and is adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1, close to Northampton. The development, which is expected to support over 7,000 jobs, also includes significant infrastructure improvement works, including a bypass of Roade village, improvements to the A45 and M1 Junction 15 and extensive landscaping including new cycle routes and footpaths. SEGRO and Winvic will deliver the entire project, including all infrastructure and enabling works, at net-zero carbon. This will be achieved through a number of innovations in the construction and procurement processes to reduce the amount of embodied carbon in the base build by approximately 40%, with any outstanding carbon being offset. Initiatives include: Use of recycled and low-carbon materials Shift to green and renewable power Reduction of on-site waste In line with the company’s Responsible SEGRO commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2030, the scheme has been designed to reduce the amount of embodied carbon as far as practically possible. The carbon that can’t be removed will be offset through a variety of initiatives that will be focused around social value, ecology and renewable energy. These include peat bog restoration in the North East of the UK, a carbon farming project in Somerset and several tree planting schemes. An initial 165,000 Verified Carbon Standard carbon credits have been purchased. SEGRO’s current priority is to reduce carbon emissions, however the company is simultaneously developing its carbon offsetting strategy. The learnings from SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton will inform this strategy. Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO said: “Rapid advances in construction techniques and building design are enabling developers to deliver warehouse units more sustainably, but SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton will be the first time net-zero is achieved across an entire vast industrial site, including the delivery of all on-site and off-site supporting infrastructure. “This is the result of a truly innovative approach from SEGRO and our partner Winvic to source recycled materials and embed the principles of the circular economy at all stages of the design and development process. Developments such as SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton are vital cogs in domestic and global supply chains, and it is critical we can deliver them to meet our customers’ requirements for net-zero carbon warehousing and help the UK transition to a greener economy.” Arun Thaneja, Winvic’s Technical Services and Sustainability Director, added: “Our combined vision for sustainable procurement and operations, has resulted in SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton being a perfect example of how we work in partnership to deliver innovative net zero developments. We hope the scheme becomes a source of inspiration for net-zero in the construction industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has acquired a prime site near Brighton for a 257,000 sq ft speculative logistics development to serve the south coast markets. The development, called Panattoni Park Brighton, is on a 12-acre site, which Panattoni has just acquired in an off-market deal from an investment vehicle managed by Kennedy Wilson. It is located within the boundary of Brighton City Airport and with excellent access onto the A27. Panattoni plans to begin speculative development of the park, which has detailed planning consent, in the first quarter of 2023, with completion expected in the fourth quarter. It will consist of seven units, ranging from 19,000 sq ft to 71,495 sq ft, which will be built to a targeted BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ and benefit from eaves ranging from 7m to 10m, 15% roof lights and EV charging for vans and cars. The speculative development will offer much-needed space for occupiers, due to the lack of availability in the area. Tony Watkins, Head of Development for the South East and London at Panattoni, said: “Despite the headwinds facing the whole real estate sector, both Panattoni and Kennedy Wilson are delighted to have closed the transaction for this very well-located site in a very supply-constrained market. We hope to work together on further development transactions. “We continue to look for opportunities to acquire land, given that the need from occupiers for the development of new facilities remains great. Logistics still has value and we retain our strong commitment to the sector”. Mike Pegler, Head of UK at Kennedy Wilson, said: “We recognised a compelling opportunity to unlock the full potential of the whole Brighton City Airport estate following our acquisition of the site in 2020 and moved quickly to secure planning permission for a new industrial development on this site. “Two years later, as demand for new logistics and industrial space has steadily increased within a region acutely lacking in supply, we are pleased to complete this transaction with Panattoni that will lead to the creation of much-needed, high-quality space with leading ESG credentials. We retain our interest in the remainder of the airport estate and look forward to working with all stakeholders to further its long-term success”. DTRE represented Kennedy Wilson on the sale. Agents for Panattoni Park Brighton are DTRE, Savills and SHW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tritax Symmetry has appointed GMI Construction to develop a 132,750 sq ft logistics facility at Symmetry Park Doncaster. The facility will be built on a speculative basis to net zero carbon in construction. “Symmetry Park Doncaster has become a prime logistics location with successful companies such as Butternut Box and B&Q choosing to be based here. The highly sustainable facility we are developing will undoubtedly attract a sophisticated business looking for a build which supports its ESG and operational objectives,” said Scott Meakin, Development Surveyor at Tritax Symmetry. This is the third building to be constructed on the site: the first unit (151,000 sq ft) is occupied by Dogmates Ltd, trading as Butternut Box on a 15-year lease whilst the second unit (430,000) is being built by GMI and has been pre-let to B&Q, which is due to PC imminently. An additional 1.26-acre plot is available for development. “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Tritax Symmetry to deliver a facility that will contribute to the levelling up of the region by providing much-needed logistics space that encourages investment and job creation. This project reflects GMI’s growing position in the construction of manufacturing and logistics facilities not only in Yorkshire, but the other areas in which we operate – in the North West, North East and the Midlands,” added Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction Group’s Divisional Managing Director Yorkshire. Located at Junction 34 of the A1 (M) on the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border, Symmetry Park, Doncaster is a 54-acre site, located adjacent to J34 A1(M) and Blyth Services. Representing the development are the Leeds offices of Savills, Dove Haigh Phillips and Colliers International. “Tritax Symmetry’s decision to speculatively build out the net zero carbon in construction 132,750 sq ft unit comes at a time when Grade A standing stock in the region is at record low levels and we are already fielding strong enquiries regarding the unit which will practically complete in quarter three 2023,” concluded Rob Whatmuff, Head of Colliers Leeds. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has agreed three new lettings at Ascent Logistics Park in Leighton Buzzard. The largest of the three units, spanning 79,493 sq. ft., will be accommodated by wholesaler and retailer AS Colour, whilst healthcare provider HCA UK has taken an 60,835 sq. ft. unit, and Tate Business Group, a leading UK provider of essential business supplies, will occupy a 16,787 Sq. ft space. Accredited by the UK Green Building Council for its net-zero carbon construction, Ascent Logistics Park is built with sustainability in mind. With a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, all units are integrated with smart design, delivering positive and lasting change for businesses and the environment. The latest round of lettings mean seven of the scheme’s eight units are now fully occupied, with existing tenants including Spreetail, Airbox UK, Solution EU and Stone Hardy. One 48,639 sq ft unit remains available at Ascent Logistics Park, which reached completion earlier this year. Chris Beer, Senior Associate at Firethorn Trust, said: “This is a significant milestone for Ascent Logistics Park, as we near to full occupancy. The diverse mix of tenants reflects the scheme’s high-quality, modern and flexible specification, in addition to our team’s commitment to working closely with occupiers to ensure we are responding to their operational requirements effectively.” Lawrence Railton, Managing Director at AS Colour, said: “At AS Colour, we are committed to manufacturing and delivering a premium product for our customers through efficient operations and responsible practices. The tenancy at Ascent will allow us to enhance our UK supply chain and grow our shipping capabilities to meet customer demand even more effectively.” Scottie Lambright, CEO in the Supply Chain function at HCA, commented: “As a business, we continue to set out and deliver on ambitious growth plans. Ascent will put us in a central location to further improve operations, ensuring HCA facilities can always access the right supplies and equipment, and in turn, deliver outstanding patient care across the UK.” Richard Beal, Managing Director at Tate Business Group, added: “Location, flexibility and specification is key to ensuring we can effectively meet diverse client requirements and provide a tailored solution that improves the efficiency of their supply chains. It has been a pleasure working with Firethorn to secure our new home at Ascent, which will allow us to maintain our exceptional service offering as our customer base continues to grow.” Situated off the Leighton Road, Ascent Logistics Park offers a quick and easy route to London Luton airport, Milton Keynes Central station and the M1/M25 motorways, which are within a 30-minute drive. To find out more about the site, or for information on the other Ascent Logistic Park units, please visit www.ascentlogisticspark.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects is celebrating a successful year of delivery with client SEGRO. Development of the new state-of-the-art multi-modal logistics hub in Northampton commenced in early 2021. Winvic has since surpassed a number of key milestones at the 450-acre site and remains on course for completion. SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton is expected to create around 7,500 new jobs. It comprises a five million square feet modern, warehousing and logistics hub and a dedicated 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI). Winvic is also delivering significant highways works as part of the project. Improvements to M1 Junction 15, improving local access and traffic flow, have reached practical completion after 18 months, while ongoing works – being delivered in partnership with National Highways, Network Rail and local authorities – to the A508, A45 and to construct the Roade village bypass will continue until the beginning of 2024. Roade Bypass is a new 2.5km single carriageway that includes the construction of a new road bridge across the West Coast Main Line and three roundabouts. The 48 metre steel bridge beams totalling 264 tonnes were lifted into place by Winvic in September. Construction of the deck, waterproofing and surfacing will continue through the Winter. The Roade bypass and roundabout works are anticipated to be complete at the beginning of 2024. Construction of the 170-metre reinforced concrete tunnel, which will screen the trains after departing from the terminal, has also been completed along with the terminal buildings. The final reinforced concrete slab to create the intermodal and HGV terminal was poured in November – the last of the 86 slabs totalling 22,000 m3. The programme for the rail terminal is on schedule to be fully operational by Easter 2024. The SRFI will connect to the West Coast Mainline via the Northampton loop line and will encourage the increase of sustainable movement of freight by rail. On-site rail works will continue through the winter period and Network Rail will be working on-site to connect the Northampton loop to the mainline. Over 50 per cent of the development plateaus for seven large warehouse units, ranging in size from 530,000 square feet to 1.2 million square feet, have been completed this year. Winvic will recommence earthworks in Spring 2023 and complete the remaining plateaus by the end of 2023. When the Park is fully complete, it will include over 80 acres of parkland and amenity grassland, 18km of footpaths, 20km of hedgerows and the planting of 60,000 new trees. Furthermore, the primary sub-station works are complete and will be energised in the Winter, providing power to the scheme as a whole and contributing to the project’s sustainability credentials. SEGRO has been working alongside local council and community partners to deliver an employment and skills programme that provides training and employment opportunities for members of the local community. This forms part of a newly launched Community Investment Plan for the region. Last month, a community environmental project completed, which involved reinvigorating outdoor community space and enhancing biodiversity and wellbeing. Winvic shares SEGRO’s commitment to adding lasting value into the communities in which it works and works with its supply chain to help clients meet their aims. Rob Cook, Head of Civils and Infrastructure at Winvic Construction, said: “Our one-team approach to the complex programming for earthworks, rail, a covered tunnel structure and significant highways reconfiguration works has enabled us to meet – or surpass – all the key milestones. I’d like to thank our team for their hard work at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton through last year and I hope they have returned from the Christmas break rested and proud that we’re right on schedule. “This multi-modal logistics hub is crucial for meeting the demands of distribution in a sustainable, future-proofed way. And working with SEGRO, local councils and community partners we’re helping to deliver skills and employment opportunities to local people. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SEGRO at the Northampton site and East Midlands Gateway to successful completions and beyond.” Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO, said: “Developments such as SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton represent critical pieces of national infrastructure in the heart of the UK, playing an invaluable role in storing and transporting goods and services all over the UK in an efficient and sustainable way. We are making excellent progress are pleased to be able to continue development at pace despite the current economic uncertainty.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn Trust, a leading commercial real estate investor and developer, has announced the successful leasing of two of its three industrial units at Peterborough South. The development, which is located just six minutes from Junction 17 of the A1(M) and adjacent to Fletton Parkway, is set to achieve practical completion in the first quarter of 2023. The largest warehouse at the site, measuring 240,830 square feet, has been leased on a 10-year tenancy to a publicly-listed UK housebuilding company, while FreshLinc, a specialist in the transport and supply chain management of fresh, chilled, and horticultural products, has taken a 139,915 square foot space on a 15-year lease. Constructed to meet net-zero carbon standards and rated BREEAM “Excellent,” the development at Peterborough South is a standout example of sustainability in the industrial sector. The property also features PrimX jointless concrete floors, which are designed to increase safety, reduce costs, and improve high-load resistance over time. Chris Beer, Senior Associate at Firethorn Trust, commented on the milestone achieved at Peterborough South: “These tenancies mark an important milestone at Peterborough South, not only as the development is now two-thirds towards full occupation, but it is also the first in the UK to feature PrimX jointless concrete floors, which are designed to save money, enhance safety and increase high-load resistance over time. “Both companies are leaders in their respective industries, and their moves to Peterborough South is demonstrative of our commitment to providing occupiers with the best facilities for their specific needs, whilst investing in best-in-class products and market-leading innovations.” Paul McCarthy, Operation Director at FreshLinc Group, added: “Our strategically located sites mean that we can offer a variety of distribution services, regardless of destination, volume and lead time. It has been a pleasure working with Firethorn, and we are delighted to be growing our presence within the UK network from this new Peterborough hub which will operate under our FLX Ambient Division.” Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton acted on behalf of Firethorn Trust during the leasing process, while Knight Frank represented the listed housebuilding company. FreshLinc was unrepresented. The development at Peterborough South still has one remaining unit, measuring 94,225 square feet, which is available for leasing. More information about the development can be found at www.peterboroughsouth.co.uk. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Richardson Barberry today announced it has secured detailed planning consent for a £100 million development of eight warehouse units at a major North East business park. Durham County Council has approved the company’s plans for the first phase development of 830,500 sq ft of warehouse/logistics space on 42-acres of the 116-acre site at Forrest Park. Earthworks/construction is expected to begin on site in 2023. Forrest Park (Newton Aycliffe) Limited, a joint venture by Durham County Council and local landowners the Forrest family, has signed a development agreement with Richardson Barberry. The ambition is that, over the next 10 years, the park will provide 1.8 million sq ft of industrial space and create more than 3,000 jobs, boosting County Durham’s economy by almost half a billion pounds. Overall, the development will extend Aycliffe Business Park to become the largest in the North East and will accommodate a range of business, industrial, warehouse and trade units, roadside restaurant and retail space next to the A1(M). Jonathan Robinson, Barberry Industrial development director, said: “Our Phase 1 Reserved Matters planning consent marks a major step forward for what is a hugely important development for the region. We are excited at the prospect of starting work soon to deliver one of the North East’s premier business parks, which will stimulate economic growth and create thousands of new jobs. We are speaking with several occupiers who are interested in the scheme and hope to announce some more good news during 2023.” He added: “Forrest Park is a highly attractive location for a range of major businesses. £13 million of infrastructure has been installed on the site, including 24 MVA substation and utility connections, and a new signalised junction providing access to and from the rest of Aycliffe Business Park and the A1(M). The first eight units will be available in a wide range of sizes, from around 37,000 sq ft to 260,000 sq ft. We’ve already had interest from local, regional, national and international occupiers in this prominent, motorway-connected, serviced and consented site. It is oven-ready for development and has access to an excellent, skilled labour demographic.” Mark Watkins, representing the Richardson family, said: “Forrest Park is part of the council’s long-term ambitions to create a thriving environment for businesses and investors to develop and grow while creating and safeguarding more and better jobs. This will also be crucial to the county’s economic recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It is great to be on the brink of finally getting started on this exciting development.” A roadside retail development by Euro Garages, including a petrol filling station, a convenience store and a KFC drive-thru restaurant, has already been built on the first plot at the site. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates, one of the largest privately-owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK, has started construction work on a new gigafactory in Sunderland, for Envision AESC. The project the largest by single value in Wates’ 125-year history is AESC’s second Sunderland battery plant. It will have capacity of 12 GWh and will employ more than a 1,000 people when operational in 2025. It will be powered by 100% Net Zero Carbon energy, aligning with the company’s global commitment to sustainability. Moreover, the state-of-the-art facility will produce AESC’s latest generation batteries, with 30% more energy density to improve range and efficiency, and manufacture enough batteries to power 100,000 electric vehicles annually. The gigafactory Wates is building forms part of a wider £1bn partnership with Nissan and Sunderland City Council to create EV36Zero, an electric vehicle hub supporting next generation EV production and accelerating the transition to net zero carbon mobility. A traditional Japanese first pillar ceremony marked the first phase of work on Friday 9th December, with AESC CEO Shoichi Matsumoto tightening the bolt on the building’s ‘first pillar’ – a traditional Japanese custom on construction projects. The ceremony also marked a decade of EV battery production on Wearside with the first electric vehicle battery built back in 2012, to support production of the first-generation Nissan LEAF. “Envision AESC is the largest single project by value in our 125-year history. We are integrating years of expertise from across our business and supply partners to deliver this immensely complex scheme. This gigafactory represents the future of green, automotive manufacturing – not only in the North East, but nationally – and like all our projects, we’re committed to building it sustainably and for the long-term benefit of the region. It was an honour to celebrate this first phase with AESC and we look forward to our next milestone being completed,” said Sir James Wates CBE, Chairman of Wates Group. The company has doubled in size since production began and today employs more than 470 people in Sunderland. Globally AESC batteries are found in 800,000 electric vehicles operating with zero critical incidents. The footprint of the new building will be the equivalent of 23 football pitches and use 14000 km of mains cables. When complete the 360m long building will be longer than the nearby Northern Spire bridge across the River Wear. The latest integrated Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) smart technology will be deployed to monitor and optimise energy consumption, manufacturing and maintenance at the gigafactory. Construction of the new building on the IAMP business park – which spans land in South Tyneside and Sunderland will pave the way for potential future investment that could eventually see the site generate 35GWh capacity and 4,500 new high value green jobs. Wates Group, alongside its specialist engineering services arm, SES Engineering Services, is leading the design and delivery of the build, working alongside Turner & Townsend who will act as the project manager and cost manager. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals