Cawarden Deliveres Large-Scale Warehouse Demolition and Refurbishment Project including 12,000m² of Asbestos Cement Roofing.

Cawarden was appointed as the Principal Contractor for a high-profile warehouse refurbishment project in Leicestershire, tasked with overseeing complex demolition and dismantling activities across a large industrial site. A critical component of the project involved the safe removal and disposal of approximately 12,000m² (3 acres) of double-skinned asbestos cement sheeting from the warehouse roof—a task requiring meticulous planning, strict environmental controls, and specialised handling protocols. The overarching goal was to transform the outdated warehouse structure into a clean slate for future redevelopment, maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency throughout every stage of the process.

Our work encompassed a range of complex enabling and demolition tasks to clear the site for future use.

Scope of Works

• Strip-Out: The soft strip of non-structural elements prepared the structures for demolition. This included the removal of interior fixtures, fittings, and finishes, along with establishing safe drop zones for debris removal.
• Demolition: Demolition of the northern office block was carried out in a “typewriter” sequence—beginning at the car park and progressing bay by bay from left to right—to maintain structural stability while efficiently managing debris removal. A partial demolition was completed at the south end of the warehouse to make way for the construction of a new, upgraded dock leveller.

  Within the warehouse, sections were carefully separated with a focus on precision to preserve the integrity of the remaining structure. Non-structural internal brick walls were removed using a combination of hand and mechanical methods, helping to open up the space in preparation for future redevelopment.

• Removal of Large Compactor: The large compactor within the warehouse was carefully dismantled and removed using cutting and demolition methods.
• Racking Removal: Warehouse racking was safely removed according to the client’s approved method statement, ensuring proper decommissioning.
• Dismantling of Internal Mezzanine Floors: After the removal of internal walls and roofing, internal mezzanine floors (constructed from steel or concrete planks) were dismantled in sections to open the warehouse structure up.
• Roller Shutter Door Removal: Numerous roller shutter doors were carefully removed from the building, ensuring that no structural integrity was compromised during the process.
• Removal of Redundant High-Level Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Components: Redundant high-level M&E components were decommissioned and safely removed.
• Removal of Asbestos Cement Roofing and Cladding: Over 12,000m² (3 acres) of double-skinned asbestos cement roofing and wall cladding was safely removed to expose the building’s structural frame.

Safety First

Safety was a key priority, with live risk assessments, exclusion zones, and controlled drop zones in place. Hazardous materials, particularly asbestos, were managed in full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations.

Environmental Considerations

With the site located near occupied properties, we implemented proactive environmental monitoring throughout the project. This included real-time assessments of noise, dust, and vibration levels to protect the surrounding community and maintain regulatory compliance.

Waste Management and Disposal

Waste from demolition, including hazardous materials like asbestos, was segregated, documented, and removed in compliance with legal and environmental requirements. Non-hazardous materials were disposed of via waste transfer notes, and hazardous materials were handled under consignment for landfill disposal.

Client Coordination

Throughout the project, close coordination was maintained with Euro Properties and other stakeholders. This included regular progress updates, issue resolution, and joint inspections to ensure smooth execution and timely completion of all tasks.

Outcome

Cawarden successfully completed the demolition works, removed all waste, and handed the site back to Euro Properties, fully prepared for the next stage of development.

The project showcases our ability to deliver complex, high-risk demolition projects with safety, precision, and professionalism, all while meeting tight programme requirements.

By bringing the warehouse back to its bare bones, we have prepared it for the next stage of refurbishment and paved the way for future development of this large-scale site.