Dudleys Secures Role on £3 Million Cheshire Oaks Business Park Project
Leeds-based Dudleys Consulting Engineers has been appointed to deliver comprehensive civil and structural engineering design services for a £3 million commercial and light industrial development at Cheshire Oaks Business Park in Ellesmere Port.
The project, led by Seddon Developments and constructed by Seddon Construction, will feature 12 adaptable business units encompassing a total of 24,700 square feet on Lloyd Drive. This site represents the final development phase within the broader business park area.
Initially, the land was designated for a care home and specialist care unit. However, after the commercial viability of that plan was reassessed, the site was subdivided. An 80-bed care home, now nearing completion, progressed independently on one parcel, while the southern section was redesigned to accommodate the new business units.
Dudleys’ engagement began with feasibility studies and extended through scheme development and detailed design to support the planning application. The consultancy continues to provide engineering expertise during the construction phase.
Situated near the M53 motorway, the development completes a key parcel within a well-established commercial district.
Peter Dixon, Director at Dudleys, commented: “The site’s location makes it an attractive development opportunity, but as the final parcel within the wider business park it presented particular engineering challenges. Previous use for temporary parking and compounds had left unusually deep topsoil, while the clay ground conditions and established tree growth also had to be carefully considered in the foundation and levels design.
“Early discussions with the preferred main contractor enabled the team to assess the effect of the excess topsoil on proposed levels and the potential for clay heave following tree removal. We considered traditional trench-fill, piled and raft foundation solutions before agreeing that a raft foundation offered the most cost-effective approach.”
Dudleys brings extensive experience in managing civil and structural engineering projects on brownfield and complex sites with remediation needs. Their portfolio includes The Gas Works at Heworth Green in York and Cavendish Quay for Peel Ports. The firm is also advising on the ongoing redevelopment of Sunny Bank Mills in Leeds and Globe Mills in Slaithwaite, as well as supporting the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society across its heritage portfolio.
The consultancy is collaborating with KPP Architects and JCA Consulting, who are acting as project manager and quantity surveyor respectively.
Established over 17 years ago, Dudleys is a privately owned Leeds-based consultancy employing 33 engineers. The firm provides structural and civil engineering advice across the UK, working in sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, retail, and education. Notable projects and clients include South Bank Leeds, the San Francisco 49ers, Skelton Grange Leeds, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds United Football Club, Arla Foods, and Unilever UK.
