A former derelict site in Sheffield is to be transformed into a new modern, logistics hub, creating hundreds of new jobs for Yorkshire.

The first phase of the development is moving forward, which will include the creation of two distribution logistics units, totalling 180,000 sq ft.

The Bessemer Park scheme is being developed by Peel Logistics Properties with site due diligence work and ongoing civil and structural engineering services provided by BE Design.

Dian Coleman, associate director at BE Design, said: "As part of our services, we scoped comprehensive site investigation works and reviewed historical records.

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"We then completed a full due diligence assessment of the brownfield site. Not only is the site on a former steelworks, it is also on the side of an historic valley along the line of Shepcote Lane, which has been infilled. This has created highly variable ground conditions across almost 50 acres - ranging from one to eight metres – which has required careful navigation.

"We also discovered that the site has a high water table, meaning that there was a natural water level close to the surface, impacting the depth at which we would be able to dig.

"To mitigate this, dynamic compaction ground improvement process techniques have been adopted in targeted areas across the site, alleviating the need to dig below the water table.

"As the development of greenbelt land becomes more and more contentious, we're seeing an increase in brownfield sites being redeveloped. This can present more challenges but, in the long term, it's certainly more sustainable and can provide businesses with the real potential to turn derelict land into ideally located – and profitable – space."

The site is situated at Junction 34 on the M1 and is being delivered by J F Finnegan. It is being marketed by joint agents Moriarty & Company, CBRE and Knight Frank.

(CM)