The Enabling Works at Follingsby MAX have reached Practical Completion and GMI Construction have handed the site back over to the client team ready to start Tenant Builds. Starting on site in June 2018, GMI undertook the Earthworks operation to move over half a million tonnes of material to create a development platform of over 65 acres within just 45 weeks and met the original PC date.

One of the largest development sites totalling a 100 acres in the North East to date, Follingsby MAX is a fully serviced site with new electric, gas, water and BT supplies. Developers, Highgrove Group alongside the contractor GMI have developed a wildlife and conservation area on site, planting over 2000 trees, 10 thousand plants and wild grasses plus an additional 30 acres of wetland and nature ponds. This type of conservation focus on such a large-scale industrial site is one of the first in the North East.

Dave Price, Operations Director Highgrove Group commented:

“We are delighted to reach what is a milestone for this project and also a great milestone for Follingsby MAX. The site at Follingsby has not only reached practical completion, it is also one of the first in the North East leading the way on conservation and sustainability. GMI have shown commitment alongside our team to realise the potential of the conservation area and the wider impact this will have on the environment and wildlife. We hope Follingsby MAX will set a benchmark for all future developments in and around the area and the importance of environmental conservation.”

GMI Construction Director, Martin Watson, has led delivery of the project and said:

“To achieve construction of such a large –scale development site, within just 45 weeks and meet the required Practical Completion date, the team had to overcome a number of challenges on such a large site along the way. All of them had the potential to push completion further and further past the end date, but the GMI team with our supply chain and Highgrove Group team pulled together in a genuine one team approach to address each and every one of those challenges to prevent potential delays from happening.”

Sheena Ramsey, Chief Executive of Gateshead Council commented:

“The fact that this impressive scheme is nearing completion within just 45 weeks is fantastic news and a credit to GMI construction and Highgrove Group. Follingsby Max will play a key part in supporting the region’s economic growth strategy and cement its reputation as the premier distribution park in the UK.

“Together with a commitment from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, we have supported Highgrove through the planning and preconstruction process and enabled the necessary infrastructure to begin development. We will continue to work in partnership with the developers to attract occupiers to Follingsby Max. Gateshead Council is committed to supporting investors and businesses looking to work in the area. Gateshead is most definitely open for business.”

For more information about the site please contact a member of the team.