| Project: | Sir Peter Hilton Court |
| Location: | Derby |
| Client: | University of Derby |
| Status: | Complete |
| Services: | Integrated Services: Demolition & Earthworks |
Cawarden rises to the challenge to prepare for the construction of Derby’s new flagship business school.
Cawarden was entrusted by the University of Derby to undertake the demolition of the student flats at Sir Peter Hilton Court on Agard Street. The following phase of work involved completing a complex proof dig and delivering a high-spec engineered backfill to prepare the site for construction. Despite facing unforeseen archaeological challenges and extreme weather conditions, we utilised our extensive expertise and experience to successfully complete the task at hand. Our enabling, demolition, and earthworks services were efficiently synchronised to provide a seamless service delivered by one specialist contractor.
Asbestos Removal & Soft Strip Works
All asbestos was meticulously removed from the buildings. Following this, the soft strip works involved the careful removal of non-structural elements from the former student flats. Operatives removed doors, frames, non-structural timber, carpets, floor coverings, and other materials. Clean, unpainted construction timber free of nails and screws was segregated for recycling, aligning with Cawarden’s environmental policy. This thorough process ensured that the buildings were prepared for demolition while maximising recycling and minimising waste.
Enabling Works and Demolition
As the Principal Contractor, our task was to carry out all the necessary enabling and demolition works to clear the large site. This included removing all slabs and foundations. Following the clearance of the majority of the flats, our attention turned to the demolition of the front-facing structures on Agard Street, a busy thoroughfare. We carried out this work at night using a ‘stop and go’ method to ensure the road remained open and the public was safe at all times. We ensured the building was stable and ready for rush hour by 6 am every morning.
Proximity to Live Pub
As we approached the final phase of the demolition project, we were tasked with working in close proximity to a live pub. Despite the challenge, we tackled the job with utmost care and precision to ensure the safety of all involved.
All hardcore was crushed and left on-site for later reuse into the new development.
Earthworks and Archaeological Discoveries
The expertise of our Civils & Groundworks team ensured a complex proof dig was undertaken as part of an archaeological watching brief to clear any underground obstructions. During the excavation process, significant archaeological finds were discovered. Cawarden, the client, and the archaeology teams worked collaboratively and sensitively to overcome the challenges presented by the discovery of a large, historic, unknown cemetery. This involved carefully excavating below the water table, which required daily de-watering of the site to maintain safe water levels.
Project Execution
After the archaeologists had completed their work, over 3,000m³ of highway-specification engineered backfill was used to fill the site. Compaction testing was then carried out in accordance with the required specifications. Finally, a 6F2 piling mat was installed across the entire site to complete our work.
A Rare Look Behind-The-Scenes for Local Students
Taking the opportunity to showcase the site and our work to inspire next-generation Civil Engineers and Business leaders, our team hosted several behind-the-scenes site tours for the university’s students and their lecturers.
Completion and Handover
In April 2023, we formally handed over the new Derby Business School site to Kier Group, marking the completion of our work and support for our client as the Principal Contractor. The project was a great example of client and contractor collaboration and was a real showcase of how Cawarden can adapt and deal with unforeseen challenges. We’re pleased to have played a key role in this exciting project for Derby. Our work on the site has formed part of a master plan by the University of Derby, which will help deliver a new vision for Agard Street, starting with a new flagship business school in response to the university’s continual growth.
The flexible, ‘can do’ attitude through adversity and uncertainty and dedication to seeing the project through to completion is much appreciated.”
DERBY UNIVERSITY VICE CHANCELLOR
The successful completion of this project is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication. Despite the challenges we faced, including significant archaeological discoveries and working in close proximity to live operations, our meticulous planning and execution ensured a safe and efficient delivery. We’re proud to have played a pivotal role in the development of Derby’s new flagship business school.”