Powering next-generation production

THE ASPIRATION
Delivering production at unprecedented scale
Hillwood acting as Development Manager for Crown set out to create Europe’s largest beverage can manufacturing facility, transforming a 30-acre brownfield site (formerly MARS Petcare) in Peterborough into a world-class hub for sustainable packaging. Spanning 625,000 square feet, the new plant needed to accommodate four advanced beverage can lines, automated clad rack storage and CAT B headquarters offices, all while meeting strict sustainability goals, including BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. With phased production ultimately targeting over three billion units annually, speed, precision and coordination were critical from day one.

OUR RESPONSE
Expert guidance from concept to completion
We were appointed to provide Project Management, Cost Management, Employers Agent, Principal Designer and Sustainability Consultancy for the scheme from inception through to completion, having been originally appointed to deliver a speculative scheme.

Early work included developing the brief with Hillwood and the end user, understanding the various interfaces between directly appointed specialist suppliers and undertaking feasibility studies against the backdrop of economic volatility, inflation and supply chain challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Using a two-stage tender process, we assessed initial contractor returns and supported the appointment of the main contractor via a JCT Design and Build 2016 contract. As the project progressed, we guided complex negotiations around cost, design and planning conditions, working closely with all parties to finalise a building contract that worked for everyone.

Challenges included managing specialist equipment coordination, installing a clad rack system and delivering ecological commitments. We mitigated risk with detailed early access strategies, hands-on scheduling and proactive cost management. Throughout, we remained agile, with robust change control and strategic planning, keeping all parties informed and engaged at all stages of the works.

THE RESULT
A landmark facility delivered
The project successfully delivered 625,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing and automated clad rack storage space, complete with CAT B headquarters offices and four can lines, enabling phased production of over three billion beverage cans annually.

THE LASTING IMPACT
A new benchmark in UK manufacturing
This development not only strengthens Peterborough’s role in the global supply chain but also delivers significant economic and ecological benefits, including hundreds of new jobs for the region and brownfield regeneration of a 30-acre site, alongside wider biodiversity enhancements. Our leadership helped create a future-ready, sustainable facility for high-volume production facility.

Find out more about our multidisciplinary approach.