Yorkshire firm appointed for major infrastructure project at Doncaster’s Unity scheme

The joint venture partners behind one of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in the UK, has awarded a major infrastructure contract to a Yorkshire firm of civil engineers.

Wakefield-based Peter Duffy Limited has been appointed by Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP to build the new estate road at the 250-hectare (618-acre) Unity scheme in Doncaster.

The estate road is seen as a key piece of infrastructure that will unlock future development within Unity Connect, the scheme’s logistics, manufacturing and industrial zone.  Connect offers unit sizes from 2,500 sq m (25,000 sq ft) to 85,000 sq m (850,000 sq ft) which are available on both a pre-let and freehold ‘build to suit’ basis, incorporating occupier’s specific requirements.

The appointment follows a competitive tender process and Peter Duffy Ltd has now commenced work on site with a 40-week delivery programme.

The new 750m estate road will join the Unity Connect zone to Unity Way, the new link road between Junction 5 of the M18 and Waggons Way, next to the former Hatfield Colliery. Launched in December, Unity Way was a partnership effort led by Doncaster Council and supported by the Sheffield City Region, Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP and Homes England.

David Bend, Unity’s project manager said: “The appointment of Peter Duffy Ltd. is another major milestone for the project and the joint venture partnership. The estate road is integral to the delivery of future commercial development at Unity, so we’re very pleased to have a well-established and reputable firm on board.”

The new road will incorporate several junctions providing direct access to future development plots. The carriageway will also include a shared footway and cycleway in addition to new bus stops and improvements to the drainage infrastructure.  Planning permission for the project was secured by Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP in 2020.

Established in 1972, Peter Duffy Limited is a privately owned civil engineering, utility and construction company with a growing team of around 200 employees. Kevin Duffy, projects director at Peter Duffy Limited said: “As a regional contractor we are delighted to be appointed to deliver this significant piece of infrastructure at what is undoubtedly a strategically important development for South Yorkshire.

“It is very reassuring to see Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP utlising the local supply chain to drive the local economy and help create new jobs, in the delivery of the project. The contract will enable us to expand our own team with the appointment of new personnel and we look forward to developing our relationship with Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP in the months ahead.”

Last September, the joint venture partners exchanged contracts with a national retailer to build an 800,000 sq ft regional distribution centre and training facility on Unity’s Connect zone.

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.