2017
M1 Junction 21A, Leicestershire
Wilson Bowden Developments
Winvic Construction Ltd
BWB Consulting Ltd
Optimus Point M1 Development Gabion and Terramesh Retaining Wall Solution
At Optimus Point, the first phase of the works started in 2016.
Water tanks behind the wall were placed over a concrete slab
Gabion set out at DPD developement location – Autumn 2017
Walls at DPD location completed – the total length of the wall is 230m
The Terramesh wall at Geary’s Bakery location is 100m long by 4.5m high
Terramesh System installed at Geary’s Bakery
Challenge
Optimus Point is a prime warehouse and distribution development site located off Junction 21a of the M1 in the UK. Covering approximately 65 acres, the scheme is designed to accommodate large-scale industrial and logistics facilities ranging from 30,000 sq. ft. to 150,000 sq. ft., making it a key hub for commercial and supply chain operations.
Due to the scale and layout of the development, significant ground engineering challenges were present. The site required extensive earth retention and land stabilisation works to create level platforms suitable for multiple industrial units. Variations in ground levels across different plots meant that robust and adaptable retaining wall solutions were essential to maximise usable space while ensuring long-term structural stability.
Additionally, the need to support high-load commercial developments and enable phased construction for multiple tenants further increased the complexity of the project. Effective retaining structures were required to deliver both performance and efficiency within a demanding construction programme.
Solution
Maccaferri, working in collaboration with Winvic Construction, provided a full design, supply, and installation service for a range of engineered retaining wall systems across the Optimus Point development. The solution incorporated both Terramesh reinforced soil systems and mass gravity gabion walls, offering a cost-effective and durable approach to ground retention.
A key feature of the project was the installation of a 4.5-metre-high Terramesh System retaining wall. This reinforced soil structure was used to retain ground and form a stable development platform for plots occupied by Geary’s Bakery. It also enabled the levelling of adjacent land designated for James Latham timber merchants, ensuring efficient land use and construction readiness.
In addition, a 3-metre-high gabion retaining wall was constructed to the south of the site. This mass gravity structure provided reliable earth retention while offering flexibility, permeability, and ease of installation—key advantages for large-scale industrial developments.
By utilising advanced retaining wall solutions such as gabion baskets and Terramesh systems, Maccaferri successfully delivered a sustainable and high-performance ground engineering solution. The project enabled the transformation of a complex site into a fully functional logistics and distribution hub, supporting major commercial occupants and long-term infrastructure growth.
