Aldi, Weymouth

Client

LondonMetric Property PLC joint venture with Avercet Property

Project

Construction of a shell unit for Aldi with external car parking and loading area

Size

Approx 18,500sqft

Role

Project and Tenant Liaison Manager and Contract Administrator

Category

Retail

The delivery of this 18,500sf Aldi store has transformed this long-standing vacant brownfield land as part of the Weymouth Gateway regeneration plans. Located between Mercery Road and the main railway line between London Waterloo and Weymouth, the land was formerly owned by New Look and was purchased by our Client, LondonMetric, in 2017.

The project was procured under a competitively tendered JCT Design & Build Form of Contract and Mildren Construction was employed to undertake the construction of the new Aldi store. Based on the latest Aldi concept, the works included associated external works such as car parking and loading area. Aldi fitted out the store which opened for trade on 3^rd September 2020.

Particular challenges related to working around surface water easements, existing services and working adjacent to a main railway line, which necessitated the ground being stabilised to minimise ground vibration. Works to the car park involved perimeter boundary retaining walls up to 3m high using a kingpost solution which were then timber clad. Tenant requirements from Aldi to achieve the specific critical minimal dimensions were delivered.

Responsible development was a key priority for the Client, with the building designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. Further specific measures that considered the existing environment, particularly trees and birds, were incorporated in the project including the construction of a hibernacula.

The project was delivered during the COVID 19 lockdown and continuous social distanced working was achieved by the Mildren Construction team, with site and tenant meetings being held via video conferencing. To benefit the local community measures such as a new bus stop adjacent to the site were provided along with further works to an existing bus stop on Mercery Road. Important year-round jobs have been delivered through the construction and now in the occupation of the site, providing significant benefits to the local economy and community. The new store aims to bring further employment and investment to the area.

Project Team: