Fairhurst

Halcrow Fairhurst Joint Venture has secured a £2.34m appointment from Scottish Ministers to carry out investigations, appraisal, design, and reporting of options for an upgrade of a 16km section of the A82.

Halcrow and Fairhurst will deliver a full service solution to Transport Scotland reviewing the A82 between Tarbet and a point north of Inverarnan as part of Transport Scotland's ongoing commitment to improve access to one of Scotland's most visited areas. Improving the A82 will provide a significant boost to local businesses and tourism in the area by improving access to areas such as Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

The team will apply the ‘Fitting Roads’ approach, developed with Transport Scotland, which focuses on working with the natural landscape, tailoring their design development to reduce environmental impact as much as possible.

Ash dieback is a major current issue in the international news as well as within the development and landscape profession. This disease impacts the UK on a national scale and affects all developments with existing and proposed Ash trees as well as native woodland within the wider countryside. Fairhurst’s Landscape Architecture Team are currently responding to this issue on a range of projects, ensuring successful delivery in line with client restrictions.
Chalara dieback of Ash is a disease of Ash trees (Fraxinus species) caused by a fungal organism called Chalara fraxinea. The disease leads to leaf loss and crown dieback and usually tree death. The disease affects young Ash plants and can kill trees in one growing season from when symptoms become visible. Older trees can survive initial attacks, but tend to succumb eventually after several seasons of infection. There is a complete ban on purchasing, importing and exporting Ash species.
The Fairhurst Landscape Architecture Team has been proactive in advising clients on suitable native replacement tree species, and updating landscape proposals accordingly. Current projects where Fairhurst have provided valuable professional advice with regard to this issue include the Dalry Bypass, Haltwhistle Integrated Care Facility and Inverurie Care Home. Fairhurst are also currently advising on this issue in the construction and maintenance stages. Fairhurst have discussed with contractors and clients on existing and replacement planting on projects such as the A68 Dalkeith Bypass.
For further details and up to date guidance please email Helen Smith (helen.smith@fairhurst.co.uk) or refer to the forestry commission website: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara.

The Partners are pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Birmingham with effect from 4th March 2013. This new initiative is part of a strategy to expand the business in the Midlands and South of England. The office will be run by a newly appointed Regional Director, Wendy Stanton who has joined the firm from URS. Wendy is a Chartered Structural Engineer with over 20 years of experience of major structural projects.
The office address is:
Cornwall Buildings
45-51 Newhall St
Birmingham
B3 3QR
T: 0121 213 4892
M: 07881 500754
E: wendy.stanton@fairhurst.co.uk
Wendy will manage the provision of the full range of services available from Fairhurst and can draw upon the experience of a multi Disciplinary Practice of 450 staff.

Following work undertaken for G Five Ltd at Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough, Planning and Development Services have recently secured full planning permission for an 80 bed residential care home at Low Grange Farm in Greator Eston, Teeside. The planning application was accompanied by a transport assessment undertaken by the Newcastle Office and the development forms part of the wider Low Grange Farm Masterplan where Fairhurst have worked on behalf of Tesco on a 5574m² floor space store that is now open. It is hoped that Fairhurst will continue to support delivery of the Masterplan covering a full range of multidisciplinary services.

For further information regarding Low Grange Farm, please contact Lee Crawford, Development Planner on 0191 221 0505 or lee.crawford@fairhurst.co.uk.

Planning and Development Services have recently gained planning permission, on behalf of Estover Energy, for the development of an 18MWe Combined Heat and Power Plant fuelled by virgin wood, associated fuel storage and access from the A1068 at Windmill Industrial Estate, Cramlington. Fairhurst provided multidisciplinary input into the planning application which included a Landscape and Visual Appraisal, Transport Assessment and Highway Design and Flood Risk Assessment. The Combined Heat and Power Plant is expected to provide up to 100 jobs during construction and up to 40 permanent local jobs once the plant is operational

Planning and Development Services have been involved in providing professional planning advice for a large scale nationally strategic silica sand minerals site at Blubberhouses in North Yorkshire. This was as part of a commission with North Yorkshire County Council for the full-time secondment of a Senior Development Control Officer and Development Control Officer as well as the part-time secondment of a Development Control Team Leader. The initial commission was for a period of 3 months; however this was extended by one month until the end of December 2012 and has again been extended for the part-time secondment of a Development Control Officer. In addition to Blubberhouses, Planning and Development Services have also been involved in providing professional planning advice for large scale regional waste proposals and the County Council’s own development proposals. For further information please contact Dominic Waugh, Senior Development Planner, 0191 221 0505 dominic.waugh@fairhurst.co.uk

Fairhurst Planning and Development Services recently gained planning permission for Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd for 80 residential dwellings on a Greenfield site in High Harrington, Workington, Cumbria. This is the first development being promoted by Fairhurst on behalf of the client in Cumbria and follows the successful planning appeal at the Fitz, Cockermouth for 221 dwellings. The Planning and Development Service are currently working for a number of housing developers interrogating housing supply figures to find where future planning applications should be submitted in the short to medium term.

Outline planning permission has recently been granted following a Public Inquiry for 221 dwellings on land known as The Fitz in Cockermouth, Cumbria. Fairhurst originally undertook a drainage impact assessment for the development and, following refusal of planning permission on grounds of housing supply and housing location, Fairhurst Planning and Development Services in the Newcastle Office were requested to assist with the Public Inquiry through the preparation of an Environmental Statement. This included assessing the need for the development in the open countryside, as well as impacts such as traffic, noise, air quality, cultural heritage and lighting. Planning and Development Services in the Manchester Office also produced comprehensive details on housing supply and deliverability within Cockermouth to support the development of housing on this site.

Now that outline planning permission has been granted, Fairhurst are likely to be retained by the developer to assist with Reserved Matters planning submissions and to discharge planning conditions. This will involve a range of Fairhurst’s services.

The Watford Office is currently working on a new Distribution Centre for Tesco on the site of the former Courage Brewery in Reading. An article on the project featured in this month’s edition of New Steel Construction magazine. Fairhurst provided Civil, Structural, Geotechnical, Traffic, Landscape and Ecological Services and undertook Flood Risk Assessments. Fairhurst was employed by Tesco prior to novation to Vinci Construction and have been involved from initial site consideration stage through to practical completion, which is due in September 2012.

The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, has been shortlisted for the 2012 Structural Steel Design Awards, sponsored by the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA).

Designed by the Bristol office and opened in October 2010, the project incorporates approximately 900 tonnes of structural steel.

A panel of judges, including David Lazenby, past President of IStructE, visited the Pier in March.

The Awards will be announced at a reception in London on 11th July.

Last week saw the long awaited start of the procurement process for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Scheme in Central Scotland with the hosting of an Industry Information Day and the publication of the OJEU Notice. In joint venture with Mouchel, Fairhurst has been involved with this 415m pound scheme since 2003, and has led on structural, geotechnical, hydrological, landscape and project management services throughout this period. The scheme is being procured as a Design, Build, Finance and Operate scheme which will see the successful consortium operate and maintain a motorway network for 30 years. JV Project Manager Mike Hodgson , who has managed the scheme development for the past 11 years passed on the “Well done. A milestone/target achieved. The effort is much appreciated.” praise from Transport Scotland to his Fairhurst and JV colleagues.” For more information on the scheme, visit www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/projects/m8m73m74

The Village at Machrihanish Dunes officially re-opened the historic Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish on Saturday, 25 February 2012. Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, along with David Southworth, President and CEO of Southworth Development LLC, was be on hand to open the doors of this famed hotel with a private luncheon and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

As well as the construction of the new golf course, Fairhurst undertook a both new-build and refurbishment/upgrade to the well known and established landmark building of Ugadale Hotel, providing a 4-star accommodation with bar and restaurant facility. It was partially demolished, containing elements of new-build and also internal alterations, converting them into luxury accommodation for the use of golfers and tourists to enjoy.

“As members of the project team for the restoration of the Ugadale Hotel, I want to express my thanks and deep appreciation to all of you for the efforts put forth to make the grand re-opening a complete and total success for the client, the public, and hopefully all of Argyll.”

Tim Sullivan, Director of Construction, Southworth Development LLC.

On behalf of the site owners S.C.C Ltd the Manchester office has secured outline planning permission for the mixed use redevelopment of the former Bridge Mills site Tintwistle, Glossop including 81 dwellings and 1,394 sq m (15,000sq ft) of new business floorspace.

Fairhurst were originally instructed to produce masterplan options to establish the capacity of the 3.09 hectare (7.64 acres) site ensuring that the development is deliverable and feasible. This led to the selection of a preferred mixed use option that maximises residential development whilst incorporating modern new employment units to justify the release of the allocated employment site. Fairhurst ensured that the planning application did not need to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment, provided a Statement of Community Involvement, Flood Risk Assessment, Transport Statement, Site Investigation and Remediation Strategy, Ecology and Tree Surveys and Heritage Statement were included as part of the planning application.

In securing the favourable determination of the application Fairhurst produced a Viability Appraisal to justify the level of residential development based on the abnormal costs associated with the development of the site including site remediation, foundations/piling, services and utilities, landscaping and the provision of the Trans Pennine Trail through the site. The robust justification of the proposal produced by Fairhurst ensured the scheme was unanimously approved by High Peak Borough Council with no objections or delays to a decision.

Fairhurst are now introducing existing clients to the opportunity and working with Nolan Redshaw property agents to secure the disposal of the site.

Fairhurst in conjunction with local Contractor, Southbay Civil Engineering, were awarded the Major Project of the Year Award for 2011 by the CECA (North East) at the recent awards ceremony dinner. This award follows our success earlier in April when the same project won the ICE North East Robert Stephenson Awards 2011.

The 5.5 million pound project involving the construction of 300m of new quay attracted unprecedented success in scooping both awards because it was considered an excellent example of teamwork involving a local Contractor, a local Consultant, Client (the Port of Tyne Authority) and Operator (The North Shields Fish Company).

Fairhurst in conjunction with Southbay successfully won the project with an innovative alternative design for the works, delivered at a guaranteed maximum price. This approach and our economic design ensured that the works were completed within the allocated price and to programme. Throughout the project both the Client and the Operator were closely involved and contributed to a number of the value engineered solutions adopted in the works. The end result is a well equipped quay that handles the largest fishing fleet South of Peterhead, as well as providing open public access to the river front.

Testament from Kevin Emmett, Port Development Engineer, Port of Tyne Authority:

“Fairhurst have undertaken a number of contracts for the Port of Tyne Authority. Fairhurst have successfully delivered these contracts providing excellent value for money on their services. Through innovative design and consideration to all aspects of our requirements, from planning through to construction, an excellent working relationship was maintained with the Client and the Contractor throughout these contracts. We look forward to working with Fairhurst again and have no hesitation on recommending them for future projects”.

Fairhurst was appointed as Civil and Structural Engineers for the refurbishment and extension of an existing Victorian, Grade II listed school. The original building which was designed by E R Robson, circa 1876, as part of a series of new Board Schools. The new French Lycee is due to open for new pupils in September 2011 and will provide teaching space for 650 pupils both at Primary and Secondary School level.

The project includes the introduction of new internal lift and stair cores, a new entrance lobby area and removing old cores to provide new teaching space. A number of extensions are being built around the central courtyard to provide additional classroom space and dining rooms. The new and existing spaces are linked by an external covered walkway with exposed steel trusses, designed to be sympathetic to the original Victorian trusses found on site.

Due to the Grade II listed nature of the building, the design of the new structural elements have carefully considered both the form and fabric of the existing structure. Any new structure has been carefully integrated with the existing building to ensure that as much of the original fabric is retained as possible. Any repair works have been aimed at local remediation rather than wide scale replacement.

A Not So Cruel Wind ...

The renewables market grows daily, as does Fairhursts experience as a leading designer of wind farm infrastructure.

Clyde Wind Farm, straddling the M74 motorway near Beattock Summit in South Lanarkshire has been the catalyst for the development of our wind farm skills base in our Glasgow Office. Clyde Wind Farm is the largest consented onshore wind farm in Europe comprising 152 reinforced concrete gravity bases for Siemens’ 2.5MW turbines with hub heights of 80m and blade diameters of 90m. This 600 million pound development by Scottish & Southern Energy Renewables (SSER) commenced in 2009 should see all turbines in operation by early 2012, providing a maximum total generation capacity to power over 200,000 homes.

Our role on the project has grown since our initial involvement as designer to Morgan Est for an enabling works contract. Now working direct to SSER across the whole site (and novated to Hanson Contracting in the Central section), we have provided a whole spectrum of design, supervision and Technical Advisor services including wind turbine bases, drainage, earthworks, tracks, operations buildings, substations, bridges and culverts. The experience gained on the project has been invaluable, and should help drive forward our renewables offering over the coming years.

The Clinical Research Imaging Centre is recognised as being a world-leading research centre in using the latest scanning technology to advance the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and mental health problems.

The 20 million pound facility is located within the basement of the existing Queens Medical Research Institute at Little France (pictured). Fairhurst were responsible for all structural and civils works on the 32 million pound development for the QMRI.

The unit at CRIC comprises three key scanning machines: the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner; the Positron Emission and Computer Tomography (PET/CT) scanner; and a state of the art Computer Tomography (CT) scanner. Also included in the development is a cyclotron as well as associated laboratory, support and admin areas.

The MRI scanner makes it possible to undertake whole-body 3D imaging while the PET/CT offers whole-body scanning using radioactive chemicals, while the CT scanner is the first of its kind in the UK and has the ability to capture images of entire organs in a fraction of a second. The cyclotron, which is housed in a massive reinforced concrete vault - generates radioactive materials for use in the imaging process.

The structural works covered; the massive RC vault to house the cyclotron (the walls and the roof being two metres thick); the construction of the RC cells for patient treatment areas; the installation of a new lift pit, lift shaft and new main access stair; the formation of new areas of floor within the existing full height atrium; all builders work associated with housing the PET CT scanners and the MRI scanner and providing the associated support areas.

The new control tower at Southend Airport is up and running. The 32m high, six-storey tower replaces the old two-storey structure that was built in the 1960s.

This impressive new air traffic control tower has been constructed in a location to give the visual control room an elevated operational view of approaching aircraft, together with existing and proposed runways, taxiways and aprons.

As design consultant, Fairhurst determined the location of the control tower, height of the building and lines of sight in accordance with CAA requirements. A Fairhurst geotechnical interpretative report was produced to enable foundation and floor slab detailed design, with RC detailing, structural steelwork, drainage, car park and access road design completing the commission.

The expansion of Southend Airport by Stobart Developments (in conjunction with Stobart Air) is intended to cater for longer haul flights and create an airport with a direct hub link to the London 2012 Olympics. The new control tower forms an integral part of this expansion, which also includes a new railway station, passenger terminal building and runway extension.

Fairhurst Planning & Development Team in Glasgow has successfully secured detailed planning permission and approval of the associated EIA for Phase 1 of the Lochboisdale Regeneration Project on behalf of South Uist community group Storas Uibhist.

The 10 million pound development includes significant rock extraction, new causeways and breakwaters, a 1.25km road, a fisheries pier with associated commercial fishing infrastructure and a small boat and yacht harbour with slipway and amenities for local as well as visiting leisure sailors.

Challenging timescales were met by working closely in conjunction with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar planning officers and consultees. This has allowed the client to gain access to the required funding and Fairhurst are currently progressing with the detailed design work for this landmark regeneration project.

The Planning Team were supported by Fairhurst Civil Engineers as well as specialist Ports & Harbours, Geo-environmental, Transportation and Water Services Divisions and a range of sub-consultants.

One of Fairhursts more unusual projects has made it to the BBC website. The creation of an improved habitat wetland at RSPBs Vane Farm Centre, Kinross, provided a change of scenery to the more residentially-challenged staff in the John Stevens section, however, ably assisted by Geotech and Water Services, works have now received all the necessary approvals and a contractor is currently on site, watched over by Kenny Morris who is keeping one eye on the birds as well!

Large-scale landscaping is to begin at the bird conservation charity's Vane Farm reserve at Loch Leven this month.

The works will restore wet grassland areas around the loch shoreline, lost when the water level was lowered in the 19th Century.

Money for the project - one of 13 across the UK - comes from landfill tax credits. The credits have been donated by Biffa Waste Services, and are part of a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

RSPB Scotland said three years of scientific research had gone into planning the improvements at Vane Farm, which are also receiving funding from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The Newcastle and Glasgow offices have recently been commissioned by Alumno Developments Ltd to complete planning applications for the development of student accommodation ranging from 150 to 250 units at St Andrews and Partick, Glasgow.

Alumno Developments specialise in the planning, design and delivery of student accommodation throughout the country, which offers a high standard of accommodation implemented through an inclusive and open process.

To date, the Planning and Development Division has advised on planning feasibility and site issues relating to the landscape and urban design of the identified sites. Close liaison with the local authority has also been required due to the sensitivity of the sites involved.

Should the planning applications be successful, the company could become further involved in the site investigation, flood risk and engineering works on site.

On behalf of Stobart Developments Ltd, the Planning and Development Division in conjunction with the Watford Office has prepared proposals to expand Stobart Park / 3MG, Widnes, to further develop the area as a regionally significant multimodal transport and distribution hub. The expansion is being pursued via a planning application for 1.42 million sq ft of new storage and distribution floorspace including a 13.7MWe biomass facility and an application for a new multi storey office building to provide a consolidated base for the Stobart Group of companies with 12 floors offices and 7 decks of vehicle parking.

Fairhurst has developed the scheme addressing issues relating to the regeneration benefits, sustainability, landscape and visual impact, flood risk and drainage, earthworks and remediation, traffic and highway design. The development has been considered through the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which confirms that the development will not lead to any significant adverse impacts. A decision from Halton Borough Council is expected in October 2011 and development is planned to commence in early 2012 making Stobart Park / 3MG an increasingly important part of the Stobart Group business.

The Planning and Development Division and Walter Jack Studio were recently appointed by Kirklees Council to develop two play spaces for two town centre locations in Dewsbury and Batley in West Yorkshire, through the Playbuilder and Play Pathfinder initiative. This is part of a programme that has been developed by Kirklees Council to develop and refurbish play facilities in 27 sites in local neighbourhoods throughout Kirklees. As part of the commission, the Landscape team have produced detailed landscape design proposals, 3D visualisations and a Design and Access Statement.

The project has involved the design of two Urban Playscapes, which incorporate playable public art into the public realm. The proposals combine form and function to create accessible features with multi sensory appeal, promoting discovery and interaction within the local community. Inspired by the two sites, and following extensive consultation and visioning sessions with stakeholders, unique bespoke design solutions have been achieved.

The design at the Batley site has been developed to respond to the sloping topography, and is inspired by the concept of rolling ribbons down the hill, creating a range of play features. Hoops, balancing beams, slides and informal seating form part of the ribbon design. At the Dewsbury site, the linear nature of the site has been addressed by the proposals through the creation of a wire play feature. This incorporates spirals, hoops and movable rings within the design to encourage community interaction and play.

At the ICE dinner for the North East region in Newcastle on 15 April Fairhurst received the major project award from ICE President Peter Hansford.

Fairhurst in conjunction with local Contractor Southbay Civils submitted an alternative design for this 300m length of public quay situated at the mouth of the River Tyne. The guaranteed maximum price 5.5 million pound scheme was accepted by the Clients who were the Port of Tyne and the North Shields Fish Corporation. The innovative design involved driving 190 steel piles through the existing dilapidated quay and constructing a new concrete deck slab on top. The Clients are very pleased with the completed quay which is used by the fishing fleets and by the general public and is also vital for the regeneration of the area.

Storas Uibhist, community owner of the South Uist Estate in the Outer Hebrides, have recently appointed Fairhurst Planning Team in Glasgow to prepare and submit a Major Planning Application, accompanied by an Environmental Statement, for Phase 1 of the Lochboisdale Regeneration Project in South Uist.

The project is recognised as being key in terms of its economic, social and community benefits for the Outer Hebrides and includes new causeways, roads, breakwaters, a harbour for small boats and yachts, a commercial fisheries pier and rock extraction on Gasaigh Island to win construction material. Fairhurst engineering Divisions will contribute to the submissions, managed and coordinated by Fairhurst Scottish Planning Team in Glasgow.

The project represents a significant investment in the economy of the Outer Hebrides and Storas Uibhist have secured funding from public sources including ERDF, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to enable the project to move forward. It is expected that the planning application will be submitted mid April 2011.

On behalf of the Stobart Group the Manchester office has assisted in securing planning permission for the redevelopment of the Former Irlams Haulage Depot for residential use. The development comprises a maximum of 50 dwellings, including 13 affordable homes, and two office buildings.

Fairhurst advised on the preparation of a scheme for residential and employment purposes. Fairhurst informed a masterplan to ensure the scheme was deliverable having regard to the re-use of the existing access, highway design, parking provision and noise from the adjoining rail line and Knutsford Road. The comprehensive development of the site was pursued via two planning applications separating the residential and office elements of the development. Fairhurst provided Transport Assessments including parking surveys, Flood Risk and Drainage Assessments, Noise and Air Quality Assessments and Site Waste Management Plans which were agreed as part of the planning applications.

In securing the favourable determination of the planning applications Fairhurst successfully addressed objections which sought the re-use of the site as a waste transfer facility, the loss of overspill parking for the Chelford Agricultural Market and concerns raised in respect of the combined noise generated from the adjoining rail line and traffic on Knutsford Road. The deliverability of the scheme was secured by justifying the use of the existing access by overcoming ownerships constraints and the location of statutorily protected trees. In addition significant improvements to highway safety were demonstrated by introducing a Puffin Crossing on Knutsford Road to better link the housing development with the village.

The site is to be sold and Fairhurst have provided advice to a volume house builder to inform their potential purchase of the site.

The 200 million pound Union Square Shopping Centre in Aberdeen built for developer Hammerson is now open for business.

The shopping centre, located in the centre of the city, was built on a very technically challenging site adjacent to operational railway and bus stations. In addition to these constraints were the technical problems that existed below ground, which Fairhurst were instrumental in resolving. These included accommodating a 3.5m wide 100 year old brick culvert, which drains a significant part of Aberdeen and traverses the site. In addition to significant obstructions, poor ground conditions and environmental issues associated with the site's former use as a railway goods yard were encountered and resolved by Fairhurst.

Initially, more than 10 years ago, Fairhurst were commissioned by developer Stannifer, who developed the intial concept with the scheme architect BDP. Prior to commencing construction the whole development was sold to Hammerson, who elected to add their own design touches to enhance the scheme. The result is a vibrant, inviting and modern shopping centre which boasts a variety of restaurants, multiplex cinema and 10 storey, 203 room hotel. The project also comprises a multi storey car park and large retail terrace units, all of which were built by contractor Miller Construction UK Ltd, to whom Fairhurst were novated.

Fairhurst provided a comprehensive service on all aspects of the project, including geotechnical nad environmental services, alongside their principal role as civil and structural engineer.

Great credit goes to the construction team who completed the project on time to allow the centre to open as programmed. This could only ever have been achieved through collaborative working between Client, Contractor and the design team, which has without doubt been the key to the success of this project.

On behalf of Storas Uibhist (owners and managers of the South Uist Estate), the Planning Team in Glasgow have prepared and submitted a Scoping Report to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) to request a formal Scoping Opinion as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the Lochboisdale Port of Entry Regeneration Project. The purpose of the report is to logically and concisely draw together the environmental considerations, investigations and studies undertaken to date to provide an important source of information for the latter stages of the Project. The report also allows the Comhairle to confirm what information should be included within the Environmental Statement which will accompany any subsequent planning application(s) for the project.

The project proposes the construction of a new road and causeways (linking Lochboisdale to Rubha Bhuailt and Gasaigh Island), slipway, Fishing Harbour (with associated areas of hardstanding) and yachting pontoons, all of which are part of a wider long term strategy to regenerate Lochboisdale and provide for a range of future development opportunities. The report was prepared upon completion of outline design which was undertaken by the Glasgow office, integrating the input of a wide range of specialisms including Ports & Harbours, Water Services, Geotechnical & Environmental and Planning & Development.

This project, for Stobart Developments, commenced the regeneration of a heavily contaminated area of land fronting the River Mersey. Historically the site had been used as a chemical works and dock, which presented a number of significant environmental and geotechnical challenges. Extensive underground relic foundations and other structures remained, which required detailed consideration in the design and constuction of all groundworks and led to the decision to pre-bore all pile locations.

Phase 1 comprised a 420,000sqft Insulated Envelope Refrigerated Distribution Centre, a 100,000sqft Recycled Services Unit and associated external yards and car parking. The site is accessed by a new roundabout and almost 1km of new and upgraded highway, all of which was designed by Fairhurst. As a condition of gaining consent for the development, an adjacent redundant water course was decontaminated and brought back into use. This included the construction of a new tidal discharge to the Mersey via a box culvert.

The agreed remediation strategy saw approximately 325,000m3 of galigu (a chemical waste common to the area) stabilised by the addition of lime and cement and placed as a capping layer over the site. This provided a high strength engineered fill to support the external paved areas and re-used material previously classed as waste to adjust site levels to suit the requirements of the development. This cleared the adjacent site, thus paving the way for future developments. Rainwater harvesting, which serves the refrigeration needs, is one of the environmental initiatives which enabled the development to achieve a BREEAM rating of very good.

In July 2008 the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare was destroyed by fire for the second time since its original construction in 1904. This presented Fairhurst with the significant challenge of refurbishing the Grade II listed Pier deck, substructure and design of a new Pavilion building all of which had to be achieved within an extremely tight programme.

A comprehensive condition survey of the corroded fire-damaged substructure was undertaken, resulting in an extensive programme of refurbishment works. The new Pavilion is taller and significantly heavier than the original structure. The Edwardian cast-iron screw piles, incapable of supporting the heavier loading, have been supplemented by steel tubular piles driven down to bedrock under each column of the new construction.

Numerous attractions, such as a Helter-Skelter, Drop-Tower, 300m Go-kart track, 4D Cinema, together with restaurants, bars and a retail area have been incorporated in the refurbishment. In addition a flexible open plan area is provided at the lower level for concerts.

The new Pier is expected to become a major tourist attraction, playing a significant role in the regeneration of Weston-super-Mare.