Work set to start on 12-storey Thurrock storage facility

Contractors are readying themselves to bid for a £30 million landmark 12-storey automated container storage facility at Thurrock, London Gateway.

Known as BOXBAY, the structure will deliver a next-generation, high-density storage system for empty containers.

Said to be one of the most technically ambitious industrial buildings of its kind in the UK, it will measure 55m-tall and have a footprint of approximately 323m x 159m.

The project presents a complex engineering challenge, combining heavy civil engineering works with a substantial groundworks package. More than 15,000t of steelwork will be required, alongside around 50,000m² of cladding and a 46,500m² roof.

BOXBAY CEO, Christoph Roth, said: “This scheme marks a pivotal moment for us, as we transition from concept to real-world application.

“For the first time, we will implement our system specifically for empty containers. We believe this sector holds enormous potential as almost every port in the world deals with vast quantities of containers.”