GMI Construction Group PLC

GMI Construction Group enlisted the help of Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy to mark a major milestone in the development of the 650,000 sq. ft Connect warehouse and logistics scheme.

The MP was invited to visit the site, within the Integra 61 mixed use development at J61 of the A1(M) at Bowburn, by GMI and real estate and development company Citrus Durham.

There she signed a steel beam, the first of 1,200 tonnes of steelwork that will be used during the project.

GMI was appointed by Citrus to construct the five units that comprise Connect and the steel frames of the first two units will start to rise in the coming weeks.

The Connect development comprises four industrial/logistics units ranging from 43,000 sq. ft to 152,000 sq. ft plus a stand-alone 298,000 sq. ft warehouse on an adjacent plot which will feature 15 metre high bays. This unit, called Connect 298, will be the region’s largest speculatively developed industrial unit for more than a decade.

Citrus secured £75m to enable the speculative development of Connect at its Integra 61 site, with the units scheduled to be ready for occupation by next summer.

Mary Kelly Foy MP said: “I’m pleased to see this development moving forwards with the arrival of the steelwork. Warehousing and logistics space is in great demand in this region and is a vital component in the economic infrastructure that will contribute to the area’s prosperity.”

David Cullingford, project lead for Integra 61 and Citrus, said: “There is currently lots of activity at Integra 61 and to be seeing the steelwork about to rise on Connect is the first step towards filling a crucial void in the regional logistics pipeline. We were delighted to mark the event with a visit from the Durham City MP.”

Gary Oates, GMI Construction Group’s North East Operations Director, added: “GMI is immensely proud to be involved in a development that will create jobs and stimulate the region’s economy. People will definitely notice real progress once the framework goes up.”

The steelwork has been fabricated and will be erected by Finley Structures, based in Newton Aycliffe, which is an established supplier to GMI Construction Group.

Finley Structures managing director Julie Raistrick said: “We have supplied steelwork to several GMI-led projects across the North East and Yorkshire, but this is certainly one of the largest. It highlights the commitment from GMI in using local suppliers and contractors which brings additional value to the region and benefits local communities.”

Integra 61, which includes a two million sq. ft Amazon Fulfilment Centre, is the largest logistics and manufacturing opportunity in the North East in a generation.

The 205 acre site has the potential to create some 4,000 jobs and add £2 billion to the regional economy over the next 10 years. The scheme includes circa 270 new homes, a care home, hotel, nursery, family pub/restaurant, vehicle dealerships and several trade counter and other roadside/retail units.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of GMI Construction Group PLC by Recognition PR.

For further information contact Andrew Douglas on 01325 363436

Photo Caption: Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy signs one of the first steel beams to arrive at the Connect site, with Julie Raistrick, James Taylor, Regional Director, Citrus Group, and Gary Oates

Notes to editor

About Us

GMI Construction Group PLC is an established and successful UK contractor and construction services company providing specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors.

Celebrating 35 years in 2022, the company has a proven track record for the delivery of high quality, energy efficient, often complicated projects from inception to completion with a strong focus on innovation and technology.

It operates across multiple sectors and markets including commercial offices, mixed-use buildings, residential, retail, education, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, hotels, and leisure.

Driven by strong core values, its focus is on exceeding customers to leave a positive legacy in the communities we serve, protecting the environment for the future generation and promoting a safe and inclusive workplace for our colleagues.

https://gmiconstructiongroup.co.uk/

Citrus Group

Citrus Durham is part of the Citrus Group, a dynamic and entrepreneurial real estate investment and development company with diverse interests, from commercial and residential development to real estate investment with value-add opportunities and strategic property asset management.

The Group has a longstanding and credible track record of building sustainable, long-term business relationships with its private and public sector partners and considers these among its most important assets. By building on this strong foundation, it has developed significant interests across various sectors.

Integra 61

Integra 61, being delivered by Citrus Durham, is the largest logistics and manufacturing opportunity in the North East in a generation, with outline planning consent in place for over 3m sq ft of employment space at J61 of the A1(M). The total estimated investment value on completion is circa £300m and the 205 acre site has the potential to create some 4,000 new jobs and inject over £2bn to the regional economy over 10 years. The pioneering development will comprise a highly sustainable mix of uses incorporating: 3m sq ft of industrial and logistics accommodation, circa 270 new homes and 80,000 sq ft of prime roadside uses including, drive-thru’s, a 70 bed hotel, family pub/restaurant, nursery, car showrooms, self-storage and trade counter/retail uses at the gateway to the site.

For Integra 61 media enquiries please contact Faye at Space PR at faye@spacepr.co.uk or 0113 259 7685/ 07793 401 579 or Andrea at Space PR at andrea@spacepr.co.uk or 07714 988 989.