We were instructed to obtain Planning Permission, project manage and act as CDM supervisors for the design and erection of a 2,300 tonne onion store in Norfolk for Davison & Co (Barford) Ltd. The planning was not straightforward but by negotiation we agreed on the necessary size and height of the building required. Prices were obtained; Marrison Agriculture Ltd. was the selected contractor and the building work started in January 2011. It was substantially complete by 30 June, well in time for the onion crop to be harvested in August.
The onion store is 25.7m wide x 42.6m long with concrete retaining walls and the whole building is insulated to a high degree by metal clad insulated panels. There is provision for solar panels to be fitted on the roof if required. It has two bays, each of 1,150 tonnes. The bays are separated by a central air duct in which the volume of the air to pass through the crops via the fully ventilated floor is regulated. There is a plant room at the rear to house the drying and refrigeration equipment and controls. The condition of the onions is monitored by devices located throughout the stored crop.
The store will initially dry the onions and then cool and store them at a low controlled temperature to maintain their quality. The crop is constantly monitored and data recorded; this is also linked to a remote station. The project was completed on time using only a 2.5% contingency on the original contract sum. The client is delighted with the end product; one crop has already been dried and sold and a second crop is now in for long term storage.
Davison & Co (Barford) Ltd were pleased that they were able to draw on the multi-disciplined Robinson & Hall office in Bedford to oversee this project from the planning table to fruition.