Ford Van Centre, Carlisle

Design and construction of a new commercial vehicle sales and servicing centre in Carlisle. Works included solar PV, EV charging, and energy-efficient cladding, achieving EPC A rating on handover.
Ford Van Centre, Carlisle
Building
Commercial and Industrial

New Low-Carbon Commercial Facility for Trust Ford in Carlisle

Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd was appointed to deliver a new commercial van sales and servicing centre for Trust Ford in Carlisle. The facility was designed to meet high environmental standards, achieving an EPC A rating on handover.

The project included the installation of solar PV panels, EV charging stations, Kingspan insulated cladding, and thermally efficient glazing systems. The site was handed over with outstanding air test results and minimal environmental impact throughout.

During the build, early site works revealed a discrepancy in the original geo-survey. The team worked quickly to redesign the groundworks, lowering the building by 200mm and generating fill on-site — helping avoid delays and cost implications. Thomas Armstrong also part-managed the client’s internal fit-out while approvals were finalised, ensuring the programme stayed on track.

Despite minor community disruption, stakeholder engagement remained strong and the issue was resolved with a goodwill gesture and revised work timings. The completed project was delivered safely and to a high standard, showcasing both the team’s flexibility and commitment to quality.

Client

Project Completed

March 2025

Duration

47 Weeks

Value

£2.9m

Contract

JCT Design & Build 2016
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Building services delivered at Ford Van Centre, Carlisle

Works Completed

  • Groundworks and site clearance with adjusted footprint
  • Steel frame construction and structural steelworks
  • External envelope with Kingspan cladding and cool therm glazing
  • Installation of EV charging infrastructure and solar PV
  • High-spec internal servicing areas
  • Hard and soft landscaping including external lighting
  • Coordination with Trust Ford for fit-out integration

Project Achievements

  • EPC A rating achieved
  • Air permeability test result of 4.6 m³/h/m²
  • 0.23% of waste sent to landfill (target: <10%)
  • 58% of subcontractors sourced locally
  • Successful management of STATS delays and site constraints
  • Positive stakeholder resolution with minimal disruption
  • Delivered on time and to specification despite design amendments