FP McCann Precast Concrete Vehicle Docking And Insulated Prowall System Installed At New Biggleswade Distribution Hub

Project: New Commercial and Distribution Centre – Symmetry Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

Client: Tritax Big Box

Main Contractor: Volker Fitzpatrick

Dock Leveller Pit/Prowall Installation: FP McCann

FP McCann Product Supplied: Precast Concrete Dock Leveller Pit System; Precast Prowall Panels and Lintels; Prowall Stonehenge Columns and Lintels

FP McCann’s specialist precast concrete installation team is building a multi-vehicle docking and insulated Prowall system on a brand-new commercial and distribution centre in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Principal construction specialist Volker Fitzpatrick is undertaking Phase 3 of Symmetry Park for client Tritax Big Box Developments Ltd. On completion later this year, Warburtons, Britain’s largest bakery brand, will take up a cross-docked office and distribution space covering over 65,000 sq. ft. A further 750,000 sq. ft over four buildings is being developed speculatively, ready for occupation in Q3- Q4 2025.

Tritax Big Box appointed Hertfordshire-based Volker Fitzpatrick last year, and Volker Fitzpatrick, in turn, have employed the services of FP McCann’s skilled precast concrete dock leveller pit and Prowall fixing team to install the Company’s package of in-house designed and manufactured precast concrete docking systems and internal building products, including lift shafts and staircases.

The five-unit phase 3 Symmetry Park industrial and logistics facilities (Units 6-10) will provide 112 HGV loading docks incorporating FP McCann’s precast concrete continuous tailgate dock leveller pits with widths ranging from 1.5m to 2.0m, lengths from 2.0m to 3.5m and heights from 1.1m to 1.3m; all pits are fitted with tailgate slots to 8000mm bays. The precast concrete dock leveller pit fully supports each dock leveller. The precast pits are formed from a combination of front, rear and side retaining walls and intermediate biscuit slabs. The biscuit slab spans from the front wall to the rear retaining wall to form an opening from which the dock leveller can be suspended. These panels form a continuous precast structure, complete with tailgate slots for multiple pit installations, without creating the need to backfill between the pits.

Above the dock, leveller pits totalling 1,500m2 of insulated Prowall panels, lintels, and Stonehenge Prowall columns and lintels, all 310mm thick with a U-Value of 0.22W/m2K. The Prowall panel system is designed for standard dock shelters up to 3000mm above the precast pits. The Stonehenge Prowall columns will accommodate the 3500mm larger openings as required. Panels and stonehenge columns are being supplied and installed, with door openings 3000mm and 3500mm high x 3000mm wide for vehicle access. The standard 3000mm x 3000mm Prowalls also accommodate personnel openings.

Spanning solid Prowall panels will also be installed. The panel design incorporates an integral ground beam, which reduces the need for continuous strip footing to each steel bay, saving time and money on-site. In total, 275 linear metres of ground beams 450mm high x 300mm thick will be required.
To form the required gradients for the service yards, two runs on each totalling 44.5 linear metres of 175mm thick drilled and dowelled precast yard retaining walls 1700mm sloping to 900mm high are to be fitted. A single perimeter retaining wall 52 metres long will be installed on Unit 6.

Commenting on the insulated Prowall and dock leveller pit construction, James Morris, Site Manager for Volker Fitzpatrick says, “This precast concrete system lends itself to a safe, speedy and very efficient build. McCann’s fixing team are fully versed in this precast system, and their working process complements the Volker Fitzpatrick site construction methods and practices. Utilisation of the FP McCann precast dock leveller pits and Prowall system dramatically reduces the installation time compared to a more traditional build”.

The internal build of the five industrial and logistics spaces will also include 5 FP McCann lift shafts up to 11.9 metres and nine staircases with integral landings up to the third floor.

For further information on FP McCann’s Dock Leveller Pit solutions, contact the team at WESTON UNDERWOOD 01335 361269 | sales@fpmccann.co.uk