Cawarden tackles a sporting challenge to demolish the existing Sports Pavilions at the University of Nottingham.

Following planning approval, the multi-million-pound and state-of-the-art David Ross Sports Village got the go-ahead to replace the university’s existing sports centre.

Working on behalf of our client and Main Contractor, Kier Construction, Cawarden was employed to carry out the complex demolition of the existing 1970s Sports Pavilions and the associated buildings at the University of Nottingham – and all whilst the campus remained fully in use by staff and students. Cawarden also carried out a large scale cut and fill operation.

Following the asbestos removal and soft strip, Cawarden demolished the existing building using mechanical demolition excavators. All floor slabs, foundations and hardstandings were raised.

Hardcore was processed and crushed on-site for later re-use into the new construction. 99% of material was recycled through segregation of waste on-site.

Cawarden carried out a 16,000m² cut and fill operation to prepare and enable the construction of the new sports village.

Ever rising to the challenge, Cawarden developed a suitable methodology and sequence of works to work within the busy university campus. Careful consideration was also made to a neighbouring nursery building. Cawarden completed dust and noise monitoring at numerous points across the site throughout the works to ensure safe levels were being worked to.

Working closely with the client to meticulously cover every detail, we prepared a programme of works and phasing plan; Costs were kept in check and effective communication was maintained with the client and other stakeholders throughout – including students, university and nursery representatives – to ensure delivery excellence and the best outcome for all.

The new £40 million sports facilities officially opened in May 2017 and proved a big hit offering an inspirational and accessible sports provision for all.