£12 MILLION DEVELOPMENT ON CASTLEFIELDS HALLOWED RAILWAY

Developing land next to what rail enthusiasts might call hallowed ground isn’t easy, but that’s exactly what Triton Construction are undertaking for Big Yellow Storage Company close to the site of the first run of George Stephenson’s ‘Rocket’ in Castlefields, Manchester.  

Triton have already begun to build the 92,000 square foot storage facility, negotiating strict guidelines and an extensive method statement to ensure that there is no damage to the train line, which was recently extended as part of the Ordsall Chord.  

Michael Parkinson, Triton Construction MD said,

“Whilst this should be a relatively straightforward five storey build we are having to take extra care and adjust our methods to adhere to the strict vibration monitoring that is being undertaken by Network Rail. We’re doing everything we can to ensure that there is limited ground movement, avoiding disturbance to the lines.”  

The £12 million development which is due to see steel work go in next week will be the latest expansion for self-storage giants Big Yellow Storage Company, who have owned the site for 12 years, and have only recently been granted permission to build.  

Nigel Hartley, MD of Big Yellow Storage Company said 

“We had a requirement from the local authority to ensure that we built an exemplar building with high quality public realm, and that the construction and finish was sensitive to the surroundings. To do so we needed a company with the experience and technical expertise to deliver despite the complexities, and Triton seem to be thriving on the challenge.” 

Initially delayed in 2012 by Network Rail’s compulsory purchase order and latterly by lengthy negotiations with Manchester City Council, the new building will be the exemplar building that all sides aspire to, in keeping with, and preserving the industrial heritage of the area with Coreten steel cladding that will weather quickly. 

The unit will be an essential storage facility for residents of the nearby apartments but will also act as a business incubator for small online businesses, with secure and well-lit spaces available to rent.