TJ Morris Doncaster logistics hub nears milestone as McLaren hits key targets
The 829,000 sq ft Home Bargains distribution centre at Unity Connect, Doncaster, is on track to become fully watertight by the end of February.
Steel erection to the main warehouse was completed in November, alongside the start of ground floor slab works.
Cladding installation is now well advanced and due to complete in the spring, while all 106 loading dock doors have been installed.
Window installation is progressing, with full completion expected within the next four weeks to support the weather-tight programme.
The large-scale, highly automated logistics facility will support more than 300 Home Bargains stores nationwide and represents a key component of TJ Morris’ long-term distribution strategy.
Significant progress has also been achieved on the Vehicle Maintenance Unit, where the steel structure is fully erected, cladding is approximately 90% complete and internal workshop fit-out is scheduled to commence in March.
Internally, office fit-out works across the ground, first and second floors will begin in early February, delivering modern office accommodation alongside a commercial kitchen and canteen.
High-level mechanical and electrical installations within the warehouse, including the sprinkler system, are nearing completion, with teams due to return to finalise internal floor levels once slab works conclude.
Externally, completion of base course tarmac to the extensive hardstanding areas is targeted for late March, marking a further key programme milestone.
The project has also incorporated a number of efficiency-led construction practices: Concrete works have been delivered via on-site batching by specialist subcontractor McCoys, with approximately 20,200m³ produced to date, significantly reducing vehicle movements and associated carbon emissions.
Also, all precast piles have been cropped, crushed and reused on site for temporary works, minimising waste and transport requirements.
Once complete, the facility is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs and will be handed over to automation specialist Witron later this year, with full operations targeted for summer 2028.
Luke Arnold, regional director, at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “This is a complex, large-scale logistics project and the pace of delivery is a real credit to the project team and our supply chain partners.
“As we move towards making the building fully watertight and into the next phases of fit-out and external works, we will see the scale of this facility and the long-term benefits it will bring to Doncaster.”
Neil Kelson, head of logistics, TJ Morris said “Working with our build partners for this project, McLaren Construction, great progress has been made, with the build on track to hand over to Witron to start the automation install later this year.
“I am excited that by the summer of 2028 we will be fully operational at the Doncaster site, taking all of the key learnings and best practice from our recently opened Omega Distribution Centre, St Helens.”
