‘Challenging’ Development Reaches Market

A London warehouse development that faced challenging ground conditions during the construction phase, is now being marketed as a prime M25 site just minutes from the capital.

Midpoint is a high-quality building strategically located on Jeffreys Road between junction 25 of the M25 and the A406 North Circular Road.

But, despite its immaculate finish, few would appreciate the challenges that faced HBPW engineers 18 months ago.

A 10-tonne conical ‘hammer’ was brought on site after they specified the need for dynamic compaction across the site so that piling could be avoided.

“On the one hand we needed to provide competent ground to support building loads,” said HBPW’s Emyr Parry, “whilst also considering the needs of neighbouring retailers like DHL, John Lewis and Tesco.com and the possible damage piling might cause to their properties, largely due to vibration.”

However, all challenges were overcome, and Midpoint is now being marketed as a ‘high quality and flexible building’ available as one large 67,000 sq. ft facility or as three smaller warehouses.

“Much of my life is focussed on problem solving,” said Emyr “and it is rare that jobs are without some kind of engineering challenge, however, once in a while it is great to look at the end result knowing that some complex issues have been overcome to produce a great building. Midpoint is one such outcome.”