Client: GMI Construction
Location: Nissan Manufacturing Facility, Washington, Sunderland
Sector: Industrial & Logistics
Project: 436,000 sq ft Distribution Warehouse
Scope: Earthworks, Deep Drainage, Reinforced Concrete, Attenuation, Infrastructure & External Works
Overview
Durkan & Sons Ltd delivered the groundworks and civil engineering package for the 436,000 sq ft Vantec 3 distribution warehouse at the Nissan Manufacturing Facility in Washington, Sunderland.
Constructed as part of the logistics infrastructure supporting Nissan’s Sunderland manufacturing operations, the project required extensive earthworks, reinforced concrete foundations, deep drainage, surface water attenuation, service infrastructure and external works.
A significant challenge was the presence of groundwater across the site. Continuous dewatering operations were required throughout key stages of construction to provide suitable working conditions for the deep drainage and reinforced concrete works.
Scope of Works
Earthworks & Ground Preparation
- Bulk excavation and site preparation
- Reduced level excavation
- Formation of working platforms
- Groundwater management and dewatering
- Preparation for reinforced concrete foundations and infrastructure
Reinforced Concrete & Foundations
Durkan & Sons completed the reinforced concrete substructure works required for the new distribution facility.
- Pile cropping
- Reinforced concrete pile caps
- Reinforced concrete foundations
- Concrete floor slabs
- Associated structural concrete works
Deep Drainage & Attenuation
The drainage package incorporated large-diameter below-ground drainage and surface water management infrastructure serving the warehouse and surrounding external areas.
- Large-diameter deep drainage
- Tubosider surface water attenuation system
- Oil interceptor installation
- QMax linear drainage
- Associated chambers and drainage infrastructure
Utilities & Service Infrastructure
Underground ducting and service routes were installed to accommodate mechanical, electrical and utility infrastructure throughout the development.
Roads, Service Yards & External Works
The external works package provided the infrastructure required to support the operation of the new logistics facility.
- Access road construction
- Car park construction
- Concrete service yards
- Loading and hardstanding areas
- Associated external infrastructure
Groundwater & Dewatering
Groundwater conditions presented a significant engineering challenge during construction, particularly during deep drainage and substructure operations.
A continuous dewatering system was maintained to control groundwater levels and provide suitable conditions for excavation, drainage installation and reinforced concrete construction.
Industrial Groundworks & Civil Engineering
Vantec 3 demonstrates Durkan & Sons’ capability to deliver substantial groundworks and civil engineering packages for large industrial and logistics developments.
The combination of earthworks, groundwater management, deep drainage, attenuation, reinforced concrete structures and extensive external infrastructure illustrates our ability to coordinate multiple civil engineering disciplines within a major construction programme.
Our groundworks and civil engineering services support industrial, logistics, commercial and infrastructure projects across Yorkshire and the North of England.
Discuss Your Project
Planning an industrial, logistics or major infrastructure development? Contact Durkan & Sons Ltd to discuss your groundworks and civil engineering requirements.





