A new 1356m2 retail store on a Constrained, Previously Developed Site.

This project involved the demolition of an existing Co‑op foodstore and construction of a new Aldi retail unit on the edge of Nelson, Caerphilly, marking the first store of this type delivered by Craddys. The new building provides 1,356 m² of modern retail space within a single‑storey braced steel frame supported on traditional foundations and a suspended concrete slab. External works included 120 parking spaces, a delivery service yard, and sustainable drainage features.

Craddys were appointed from early feasibility through to construction, delivering full civil and structural engineering design services. Our role included the building superstructure, substructure, and the design of below‑ground drainage and external levels to support an efficient, accessible retail environment. A key engineering challenge was the presence of an existing river culvert running directly beneath the car park. Craddys developed solutions to allow construction above the culvert while maintaining uninterrupted flows. The SuDS strategy, comprising permeable paving, rain gardens, and a large attenuation pond, was designed to meet Caerphilly SAB’s stringent requirements.