Economic growth brings development opportunities. Technological advancements bring development necessities. Our clients are nationwide leaders in their field and are looking to evolve the industry of technological advancement. The site is an existing mill located on a small industrial site with immediate transport links to wider Yorkshire. It was under-utilised and characterised by a condemned concrete mill building, meaning operations have moved north of the site, away from its original canal side setting. An unconventional shape, the site tapers dramatically to a northern point adjacent to the railway. The heart of the village of Eggborough lies north of the track. The brief for the project was to design and implement a scheme that would intensify operations at the site and create a world leading milling facility, incorporating new European technologies. Additionally, It required the careful demolition of the redundant mill building and taking the opportunity to bring the entire site back into use. The site’s small size meant space was at a premium and the designs and detail had to be explicit in order to ensure the most efficient solution was achieved. The redundant mill housed telecom equipment which needed relocating, requiring liaison with interested third parties. …And not to mention the requirement that current operations at the site remain in place throughout the entire process. Pre-application feasibilities were undertaken to explore how the site could accommodate the proposed growth. We also met with Council Officers to gain assurances that development would be supported as a matter of principle. Discussions were positive and productive, meaning that works could move to Stage 3 with a view to putting a planning application together. The details required for Stage 3 meant that we undertook early liaison with partners on the project, including the equipment and infrastructure suppliers, as the design of the scheme requires the need for precision. The scheme proposed landmark buildings in a prominent gateway location. The contemporary design approach is reflective of the client’s progressive ambition and has set a standard for mill developments. The layout ensured that no part of the site is underutilised, meaning the client is able to get the best value from their land. The planning application was well received and our public exhibition was met with support from the vast majority of attendees. There were reservations from the Local Authority over the proposed cladding scheme and, at the point of determination, who sought a more neutral palette. Planning permission was granted at the first attempt thanks to the careful planning and precision of such a complex scheme. The project remains live and we are currently deep into stage 4, with our Construction Management team leading the next stages. The importance currently lies with the phasing of works, ensuring that development of the site progresses without interrupting existing activities or production on site. While construction is beginning, the design team are working in the background to make even further efficiencies in site layout and operations, ensuring the completed project will provide the most functional design solutions for the site, without compromising the client’s current operations.