Next Distribution Ltd, Wath-upon-Dearne

Client: Next Distribution Ltd
Value: £3,000,000 + VAT
Type of works: design, supply and installation of mezzanine floors, staircases, staircase enclosures and fire protection.

Over a two year period between 2003 and 2005, High Street retailer Next considerably increased their number of outlets. This necessitated Next having to provide further capacity to their existing distribution network. As a result, a new site was developed in Wath-upon-Dearne, near Rotherham, and RDA Projects was brought on board.

The site was to start development in 2006 with it going operational in mid 2008. One of the two units was to provide a fully-automated tote storage, retrieval and sortation system. The crane retrieval, tote location and sortation scheme required a complex three-level conveyor system, incorporating a 24,000m² two-tier mezzanine floor.

Vanderlande were to provide the conveyor system, while Next brought in RDA Projects to design, supply and install the two-tier mezzanine structure, fire protection and staircase enclosures. The mezzanine was designed to specific load requirements, including up-rating the joists in various locations.

The mezzanine started at the end of October 2006 with a 20 week built time, and was achieved a head of programme. The following fire protection works continued for a further 10 months, carefully integrating with the sprinkler systems, smoke extraction and the considerable electrical requirements.