The Client
Space Station started their business in 1983 with a handful of storage containers and have since expanded to sites in 20 locations across the UK. They now have over 9000 storage units in the South East, Midlands and Yorkshire.
It is the Space Station mission to provide safe and secure self-storage facilities for both business and private customers, something they have been successfully doing for more than 40 years.
Space Station actively support charities within the local communities of their stores which include children’s charities, food banks, hospices and more. They are also focusing their attention on their carbon footprint with solar panels already installed at several stores, changing the thousands of lights they have to LEDs and switching the packaging materials available in stores to recyclable versions wherever possible, including boxes, bubble wrap and crates. They have also transitioned most of the company cars and some vans to electric models.
The Challenge
Having started their business in the South of England, Space Station had already expanded to the Midlands with six stores in and around the Birmingham area and two more on the way. Their ambition was to grow their presence further North and so in 2020 they began looking at potential new sites.
A possible new location was found in Doncaster and so initial plans for the site were created with this eventually becoming one of Space Station’s mid-large sites at around 65,000 sq. ft. In addition, another site approximately half an hour away was soon acquired in Wakefield meaning the brand could expand their services in this area across multiple locations.
The Criteria
Hi-Level became part of the project in the early stages as a mezzanine floor at the new Doncaster site would be paramount to optimising the design. The mezzanine floor would span four levels to accommodate a mix of solutions for Space Station’s clients.
The ground floor is used for bulk storage units which can range from 500 to 3000 sq. ft. These units are popular with businesses who need to access their units on a regular basis. The other tiers of the mezzanine floor accommodate a mix of unit sizes ranging from 15 sq. ft. to 500 sq. ft. with varying proportions of each per floor.
This mix of unit sizes, along with rentable office space, means Space Station have a solution to suit every requirement from an individual requiring a small amount of short-term storage to a growing business who can seamlessly operate from their store using both office and storage space. An added bonus for such businesses is they can start with a smaller storage unit and scale up to a larger unit as their business grows meaning they only pay for the space they need.
Specifications
- 4 tier mezzanine floor
- Each tier at approx. 1800m2. Total = 7200m2.
- Storage loading
- 3 x tower staircases in bespoke brand colours
The Result
The mezzanine floor aspect of this project was on a very tight deadline with all works needing to be completed on time to allow for the installation of the storage units and other follow-on trades to happen as planned. This enabled Space Station to meet their planned opening date with them successfully launching the site in mid-December 2024.
With over 650 units at the Doncaster store the mezzanine floor has been a key aspect in maximising the space available within the new building. Complimenting the mezzanine itself are some unique features such as the green staircases which match Space Station’s brand and provide a pop of colour within the store.
With the Doncaster site now successfully up and running, Space Station are looking ahead to other potential sites in this area or between this and their existing sites in the Midlands. The team at Hi-Level are pleased to have been a part of this fantastic project and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Space Station on their next project.
Testimonials
“Hi-Level had a very professional approach in providing design documentation and the discussions around it. They supplied a very good product at a competitive price. Overall we had a positive experience and they are a good partner for us to consider on our future projects.”
Emre Alpaslan, Head of Construction – Space Station
“Hi-Level supplied and installed a very high quality mezzanine system and in a very organised and professional manner. The mezzanines adds very much to the customer experience.”
Stephen Wilson, Head of Real Estate – Space Station
