Construction continues to progress at pace on the TJ Morris Distribution Centre in Doncaster, with McLaren Construction Midlands and North confirming the completion of several key structural, envelope and internal milestones.

The steel frame for the development was completed in November, alongside the commencement of ground floor slab works. The building remains on programme to achieve full weather-tight status by the end of February, with cladding works progressing well and scheduled for completion in the spring.

Strong progress has also been made on the Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU). The steel structure is now fully erected, approximately 90 per cent of cladding has been installed, and internal workshop fit-out works are set to begin in March.

Externally, the project will reach another significant milestone in late March with the completion of base course tarmac to the external hardstanding areas. Internally, office fit-out works across the ground, first and second floors are due to commence in early February, providing modern office accommodation alongside a commercial kitchen and canteen.

Within the warehouse, installation of high-level mechanical and electrical services is nearing completion, including the sprinkler system. Following the completion of slab works, teams will return to raise internal levels to finished ground floor height. Specialist industrial freezer works are scheduled to begin in the spring.

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All 106 loading dock doors have now been installed, while around 50 per cent of office windows are in place. Full window installation is expected within the next four weeks, supporting the programme to achieve full weather-tight status.

The project incorporates a range of efficiency- and sustainability-led construction practices. On-site concrete batching by specialist subcontractor McCoys has produced approximately 20,200m³ of concrete to date, including material for yard slabs, waterproofing works, ground beams and bases, dock slabs, and drainage infrastructure. Batching concrete on site has significantly reduced vehicle movements and the project’s overall carbon footprint.

In addition, all precast piles installed on the scheme have been cropped, crushed and reused on site for temporary works areas, minimising waste and reducing transport-related emissions.

Once complete, the 829,000 sq ft highly automated distribution centre will serve more than 300 Home Bargains stores nationwide and is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs. The facility will play a central role in TJ Morris’ long-term logistics and distribution strategy.

The development also reflects McLaren Construction’s focus on sustainability and local engagement. Around 70 per cent of the project’s supply chain is located within 50 miles of the site, while the use of local fill materials and borrow pits has helped reduce transport emissions. The contractor is also supporting the local community through initiatives such as the sponsorship of a local football team.

Located at Unity Connect, the distribution centre forms part of the wider Unity Yorkshire masterplan, a large-scale mixed-use regeneration scheme spanning more than 250 hectares. The scheme will deliver new homes, employment opportunities and infrastructure, and includes a dedicated Employment Academy supporting local recruitment, training and access to jobs.