The 1960s RC frame superstructures were designed and built to stand the test of time and cope with increased disposable products and future changes in waste disposal.

But, having serviced Birmingham well over the years, the demolition and site clearance was a necessary step towards upgrading the site to meet modern-day standards.

One of the first tasks involved the soft strip of offices, workshops and canteen. Then our attention turned to the demolition of the large access ramp which was completed in a bay-by-bay method.

Building A stood at 20 metres tall, and Building B at 35 metres tall with a lift core at the centre and cantilever sections at both ends. Both buildings had stair cores at the centre points.

We utilised our in-house Komatsu high-reach demolition machines to safely demolish the superstructures with ease – all per our demolition sequence plan that prioritised maintaining the structural integrity of the buildings throughout the process. Another machine equipped with a pulveriser attachment efficiently cleared and sorted through the concrete and brick.

Below-ground tanks were decommissioned and made safe by Veolia/Tolent prior to removal by Cawarden.

We removed all slabs, foundations, and footings and conducted a reduced-level dig. After which, we reinstated the ground and crushed all concrete on the site to a 6f2 product. Finally, we relaid it as a piling mat.

Throughout the demolition process, measures were taken to ensure the safety of the recently constructed and functioning Veolia facility. The utilisation of mobile crane operations, along with a hanging debris mat, effectively controlled and deflected demolition debris. The hanging mat was continuously moved by the mobile crane to maintain its effectiveness. Dust was suppressed at source – on the demolition rig itself and via mobile dust suppression units.

To complete the project, we excavated and prepared for the installation of an attenuation tank and brought the ground back up to level.

Our work ensured the site was expertly prepared and left in a flat, level, and tidy condition with all waste material removed off-site.

Upon completion, Demolition Director, Malcolm Lowes met with the client representatives for project sign-off and handover ready for the follow-on construction works to begin.