A multi-discipline approach helped environmental consultancy REC complete the remediation and validation works for a mixed-use development scheme to a tight deadline.
The £19.5m Hayhurst Quay development on the former site of Northwich Marina, which included a cinema and shoppers’ car parks, is now ready for construction of a supermarket, 58 apartments, 40-berth marina, restaurant and public open space.
REC completed the design, management and validation of the remediation work including complex geotechnical engineering to re-engineer the sub-grade for infrastructure, ex-situ bio remediation, Japanese Knotweed eradication and flood mitigation construction, over a three-month period.
Because of the site’s riverside location, a flood attenuation tank will be constructed underneath the proposed food store which will fill in the event of a flood and drain as the waters recede.
The assisted living apartments, which will take shape following construction of the Waitrose store, will have an elevated floor level, in line with Environment Agency guidance and approval, in addition to a dry access to the road in case of emergency. A piled foundation solution was adopted across the footprint of the proposed Waitrose store.
H2O, a national joint venture between the Canal and River Trust and private developer Bloc, is behind the scheme, which is intended to rejuvenate the riverside location.
Jago Brown, project manager for H2O, said: “The scheme is working to a tight timeline in order to ensure the Waitrose store and car parks are completed by Christmas 2013, so we are extremely pleased that REC were able to deliver such a complex remediation project on time, on budget and with full regulatory approval.”
REC will return to complete final validation on completion of all construction work.
Image – The remediation clears the way for a mixed-use development.
