Major £30m BOXBAY facility works tender released at London Gateway

constructnetuk
4 days ago
2 min read

A significant infrastructure opportunity has been released for the delivery of the BOXBAY automated high-bay container storage facility at London Gateway, with an estimated contract value of £30 million.

The project will be delivered within a live operational port environment and represents a major step forward in automated container storage infrastructure in the UK.

⸻

📦 Project overview

The scheme will deliver a large-scale automated storage structure with approximate dimensions of:

• 323m length

• 159m width

• 55m height

Designed to support high-density container storage, the facility will incorporate advanced structural, civil and building services systems.

⸻

🏗️ Scope of works

The contract covers a full design and build package, including:

Substructure & civils

• Removal of existing underground services

• Installation of 5,000+ precast piles (~28m deep)

• Construction of reinforced concrete raft foundation

• Stormwater drainage, utilities and service infrastructure

Superstructure

• Fabrication and erection of 15,000+ tonnes of structural steelwork

• Installation of ~50,000m² of cladding and 46,500m² roofing

• Construction of lift cores, staircases and rail systems for automated machinery

External & ancillary works

• Heavy-duty pavements and external civils

• Office/store building and transformer/e-house facilities

Building services

• Fire detection and prevention systems

• Power, lighting and IT infrastructure

• Ventilation, insulation and lightning protection

⸻

📍 Programme & procurement

• Location: Thurrock (UKH32)

• Contract value: £30m

• Duration: July 2026 – July 2028

• Procurement route: Competitive flexible procedure (utilities)

The process will begin with a Request for Information (RFI) stage, followed by a multi-stage tender process including potential negotiation rounds and a final Best and Final Offer (BAFO) submission.

⸻

⚠️ Key deadline

• Deadline for requests to participate: 29 April 2026

⸻

🚧 What this means for contractors

This is a major industrial and infrastructure project with significant packages likely across:

• Structural steel and fabrication

• Civils and groundworks

• M&E and building services

• Specialist infrastructure and automation interfaces

Given the scale and complexity, early engagement will be critical for contractors and supply chain partners looking to secure involvement.

⸻