Milestone reached on TJ Morris distribution centre

Main contractor McLaren Construction has held a steel signing ceremony to mark the completion of the 43m-tall high bay section of the TJ Morris distribution centre near Doncaster.

Work is now progressing on the 28m-tall low bay part of the 252,500m² automated facility, which requires a total of 6,000t of steelwork.

Designed and delivered by Caunton Engineering, the steel package to date has required 2,600 holding down bolts and 142,400 structural bolts.

Including mezzanine floors and offices, the three-span portal-framed structure is founded on 14,000 precast piles as well as 8,000 rigid inclusion piles.

Located on the Unity Connect business park, the completed centre will serve more than 300 Home Bargains stores throughout the UK.

Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction, said: “As a business, we are so proud to be involved in milestones like this to celebrate an impressive flagship project that will create 1,000 new jobs and enhance logistics capabilities across the region.”

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This steel signing marks a major milestone not just for the TJ Morris Distribution Centre, but for Doncaster’s growth story. The distribution centre is not only creating new jobs and strengthening our local economy, it’s also championing local suppliers including British Steel and demonstrating sustainable practices.”