Titan Industrial Estate
This 34 acre site in the heart of Grays sets out to provide a total development gross external floor area of 39,668sm (426,988sf). The existing industrial chemical facility is to be demolished in order to regenerate the site for SME’s (Small-Medium Enterpises) in an employment led mixed use scheme. The land is bounded to the perimeter by the chalk cliffs and vegetated embankments following its former chalk quarry use 150 years ago.
Responding to the site constraints, such as the steep topography, neighbouring uses and surrounding residences the buildings are accordingly scaled and comprise curved geometries, green roofscapes and a subdued colour palette. Unit sizes range from 4,000sqft to 119,000sqft that cater for more established businesses looking to expand. The elevational treatment is that of contrasting light/dark grey metallic, profiled panels with green reveals to highlight openings. Glazing is proportioned to the unit size and internal use with openable units to the offices.
Pre-app discussions and advisory comments have been taken onboard relating to the layout, connections to the town centre, roofscapes and the environmental impacts of the site. The project aims to reconnect the currently isolated quarry back into the community, reinstating the pedestrian/ cycle link to the town centre and providing a business complex that encourages local employment. Issues with security have been considered and conversations had with the Essex Police department to develop a detailed approach to the safety within the site.
Within the proposals are various inclusions to aid staff well-being with cycle routes/ parking, amenity areas, exercise tracks, picnic tables and a detailed landscape design. The buildings themselves also offer office/ warehouse environments that are well lit, high spec and incorporate sustainable technologies to promote healthy working.
With regards to sustainability the development follows a fabric first approach, incorporating high performance insulated cladding materials, PVs, natural lighting, EVCs and flexible design. The plans aim to retain and increase the rich biodiversity within the site – beehives, green roofs, ponds, matured planting etc. Landscaping is an integral element of this proposal, delivering a net gain in hedgerow units of 38.56% & 10.39% habitat units.
