Due to the calendar of the SEEDA grant funding process, none of the main construction work could commence until after mid-June 08. This therefore afforded a little over 13 weeks to construct and deliver over 3,000 tonnes of new-built CA storage – a daunting task by any standards. Due to these very short timescales, in creating the construction team we were required to strike a balance between selecting contractors with the resources and track record to deliver, but still ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money for our client. The excellent performance of all of the contractors and consultants in the project team to date endorses this approach.
Apart from the sheer speed of design and implementation, there have been a number of technical challenges to overcome. Following extensive ground investigations, it was apparent that the plot was made up of varying thicknesses of fill material over the original chalk slope, requiring structural engineers BdR to create a complex foundation design utilising a mixture of concrete piles, vibrated stone column piling and traditional sub-base construction. Also, in order to minimise the environmental impact of the building, an innovative system of water retention tanks constructed under the perimeter road will buffer 300m3 of roof and yard water to be pumped into the adjacent reservoir for farm irrigation. Additionally, it is intended for treated rinsing water from the proposed apple grader tanks also to be pumped back into the reservoir.
As phase one completion looms, it is satisfying to reflect on the immense amount that has been achieved in a short space of time, and we are proud to be playing a pivotal role in such a significant development in Mansfields’ future, and that of the South East fruit industry as a whole.
