Thanet Earth TG7 | Construction, Civil Engineering & Building Services

Project Overview

Over the course of more than a year, Smart CI Group was entrusted with the delivery of the TG7 development at Thanet Earth, one of the UK's largest and most technologically advanced glasshouse growing facilities.

Acting as principal contractor, our role extended far beyond a single construction package. Including infrastructure and drainage works through to structural steel, HVAC, electrical installations, internal fit-out and external civil, the development brought together expertise from across every division of Smart CI Group.

The project became a true showcase of our ability to manage and deliver complex, multi-disciplinary programmes within live operational environments, providing the client with a single point of responsibility from the earliest stages of construction through to final handover.

Building the foundations

The project began with significant enabling, groundwork and civil engineering works to prepare the site for the development.

Working within an active growing facility required careful planning from day one. Formation levels were established, drainage infrastructure installed, foundations constructed and the site prepared to support both the new welfare facility and the wider operational infrastructure surrounding it.

While much of this work would ultimately disappear below ground, it formed the backbone of the entire project and laid the foundations for every stage that followed.

A substantial drainage package was delivered across the development, including foul and surface water systems, carrier drains, chambers, pump stations and associated infrastructure. These works were carefully integrated into the wider site layout to support the long-term operation of the facility while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing activities.

Reinforced concrete and dock leveller infrastructure

One of the most significant infrastructure elements of the project was the creation of a new loading area.

Our teams completed extensive reinforced concrete works to form the dock leveller pods and associated structures that would eventually become a fully operational loading zone for the facility.

The process involved excavation, base formation, shuttering, formwork construction, reinforcement installation and concrete pours, with each stage requiring careful coordination to maintain programme momentum.

As the project progressed, the dock leveller structures began to emerge from the ground, transforming into a key operational asset that will support site logistics and distribution activities for years to come.

Structural works and Smart Fabrication

The development also provided an opportunity for our in-house fabrication division to play a major role. Smart Fabrication designed, manufactured and delivered a variety of structural elements throughout the project, including specialist steelwork packages and the fabrication of Kingpost retaining wall systems used across the development.

By carrying out fabrication internally, we were able to maintain complete control over quality, programme and coordination, ensuring the structural packages aligned perfectly with the wider construction works taking place on site.

This integrated approach is one of the key advantages of Smart CI Group's multi-discipline model and helps eliminate many of the delays and communication issues that can arise when multiple contractors are involved.

Constructing the welfare facility

At the heart of the development was the construction of a new welfare building designed to support employees working across the TG7 site. The facility was conceived as a modern, purpose-built space that would provide staff with high-quality welfare amenities whilst supporting the continued growth of Thanet Earth's operations.

Following the construction of foundations and floor slabs, the building began to take shape through the installation of structural steelwork, insulation systems and internal construction works.

From brickwork and partitioning through to underfloor heating, screeding and decoration, every stage was carefully coordinated to ensure a high-quality finish that reflected the importance of the building within the wider site.

Internal floors and operational areas

One of the lesser-seen but technically important aspects of the project was the construction of a number of specialist floor areas throughout the development.

These included the welfare spaces themselves, alongside dedicated boiler rooms, irrigation facilities, storage areas and operational zones that support the day-to-day running of the site. Each space carried its own requirements. The irrigation and plant areas needed robust, durable finishes capable of supporting equipment and maintenance activities, while the welfare areas were designed to create a comfortable and professional environment for staff.

Our works also extended into the greenhouse itself, where the construction of the main central pathway created an important access route running through the facility. This pathway now supports the movement of personnel, maintenance teams and operational activities throughout the growing environment and forms an essential part of the site's daily operation.

Mechanical, electrical and HVAC services

As construction progressed, attention turned to the building services that would bring the facility to life. Our electrical, engineering and HVAC teams worked closely together to deliver a fully integrated solution throughout the welfare facility.

A Daikin VRV air conditioning system was installed to provide efficient zoned climate control, supported by heat recovery ventilation systems designed to improve indoor air quality whilst maximising energy efficiency.

Alongside the HVAC installation, our teams completed extensive first and second fix electrical works, plumbing installations, controls integration and commissioning activities, ensuring the building was fully operational and ready for occupation.

The result is a comfortable, energy-efficient environment that supports staff wellbeing while remaining simple to manage and maintain.

Smart CI Group as a Principal Contractor

Managing a project of this scale within a live food production environment required more than technical expertise. Throughout the programme, Smart CI Group was responsible for coordinating multiple trades, managing site logistics, maintaining health and safety standards and ensuring that all works progressed in line with programme requirements.

The challenge was not simply building the facility. It was delivering a major development around an active operation where access, seasonal activity and production requirements all had to be considered throughout the project lifecycle.

Through close collaboration with the client, suppliers and our own specialist divisions, we successfully maintained progress whilst ensuring the site remained operational throughout the development.

The Result

The TG7 development represents one of Smart CI Group's most significant projects to date and is a perfect example of the benefit of having multiple specialist disciplines working together under one organisation.

Over the course of more than a year, our teams delivered infrastructure, structural works, fabrication, drainage, reinforced concrete construction, building services, external works and the complete construction and fit-out of a new welfare facility.

Most importantly, the project demonstrates our ability to take ownership of large-scale developments from start to finish, providing clients with a single trusted contractor capable of coordinating every stage of delivery.

For Thanet Earth, the result is a modern facility and supporting infrastructure designed to serve the business for many years to come. For Smart CI Group, it stands as a project that showcases exactly what can be achieved when our divisions work together towards a common goal.