Bamber Bridge, Preston

Flood Prevention

SDS surface water attenuation system underpins new business park

Overview

The Old Mill Industrial Estate in Bamber Bridge, Preston, is undergoing a major redevelopment to create modern industrial and logistics accommodation capable of supporting future business growth. Led by Indurent, the scheme is revitalising a long-established commercial site while creating flexible, energy-efficient space for new and expanding occupiers.

To support the redevelopment, SDS was appointed by Sutcliffe Construction Ltd to provide a high-capacity flood prevention solution capable of managing surface water runoff from the new buildings, roads and service areas. Given the site’s location above sensitive groundwater resources, effective stormwater management formed a key part of the overall development strategy.

What We Did

SDS supplied four GEOlight® attenuation tank systems, providing a combined underground storage volume of 1,354m³. The modular geocellular tanks were installed beneath operational areas, creating significant stormwater storage capacity without impacting valuable development space above ground.

Working closely with Sutcliffe Construction, SDS ensured the attenuation systems were integrated into the wider site infrastructure while accommodating the phased redevelopment of the existing industrial estate. The structurally robust GEOlight® system was selected to withstand the high loading associated with HGV movements, commercial traffic and heavily trafficked service yards.

Results

The completed attenuation systems form a key part of the site’s long-term drainage strategy, helping to manage stormwater runoff from the expanded industrial estate and reduce the risk of surface water flooding.

SDS has helped support the transformation of Old Mill Industrial Estate into a modern business park while protecting valuable land for development and safeguarding the site’s sensitive groundwater environment. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of GEOlight® attenuation systems in large-scale industrial and logistics developments where performance, durability and efficient land use are critical.

SDS delivered a surface water attenuation solution that was successfully integrated into the phased redevelopment of Old Mill Industrial Estate. Their technical expertise, responsive support and collaborative approach helped ensure the drainage strategy was implemented efficiently and in line with the project’s requirements.

– Matthew Stocks, Site Engineer, Sutcliffe Construction Ltd