Multi-utility infrastructure project commences at 250-acre mixed-use scheme

The developer behind one of Yorkshire’s largest regeneration projects has appointed a Sheffield-headquartered firm to provide essential infrastructure and make way for significant levels of new commercial development.

Fulcrum, the UK’s leading independent multi-utility infrastructure and services provider, has been awarded the new contract which will facilitate the delivery of serviced development plots at Unity, the major mixed-use scheme in Doncaster.

The contract, awarded by developer Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP, will enable the start of construction of Unity Connect, the scheme’s commercial zone which will include a new 800,000sq.ft distribution centre and training facility.

A new 750m estate road is already under development that will join Unity Connect to Unity Way, the new link road between Junction 5 of the M18 and Waggons Way, next to the former Hatfield Colliery.

As part of the 12-month project, which started in March, Fulcrum will design and install 2km of gas infrastructure, 2.5km of electrical infrastructure and deliver the diversion of a water main. The new utility infrastructure will be laid through the spine of the Connect zone to support future development.

Fulcrum has designed an innovative high voltage electrical infrastructure solution to future-proof the development, to support the power requirements of additional industrial units as they are added to the Connect zone. In addition to reducing cost, this solution will help speed up future development timescales.

Terry Dugdale, CEO of Fulcrum, said: “Unity is a transformative regeneration development, which will have a significant, positive economic impact on South Yorkshire.  As our head office is based in the region, we are especially pleased to bring our multi-utility expertise to Unity and support the important early stages of its development.”

“The experience of our team in providing future-proofed utility infrastructure has been key to helping the developers embark on the works to create the Connect zone, not only for the planned distribution centre, but also with the provision of connection-ready infrastructure for future commercial units on the site.”

Alistair McLoughlin, director at Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP added: “We are very pleased to be working with the team at Fulcrum. Our investment in infrastructure will form an integral part of the scheme’s future success and helps lay the foundations for considerable development in the months and years ahead.”

Unity is set to deliver over 2 million sq.ft of employment space, 3,100 new homes, a new marina, school, transport hub and a range of open spaces. Over the next 20 years the development is expected to inject over £900m into the local economy and create up to 7,000 jobs.