Site: Glaxo Smith Klein Factory Site, Greenford Green, London
Date: September 2018 – February 2019
Value: £450,000
Introduction
The Rothen Group were approached by Galldris Construction Ltd at the ECI stage to deliver the marine elements of their ambitious redevelopment works to the Glaxo Smith Klein factory site in Greenford Green, London. The project involved:
Input into design of the bank protection required & finish
Liaising with Canal & River Trust engineers and clients to approve design
Sourcing specialist suppliers for one-off copings with exacting finishes
Undertaking piling works including all marine plant & experienced team
Laying copings to landscape architect specification
The Project
Following the closure of two large factories in the area, the industrial land adjacent to the Grand Union Canal in South Ealing stood derelict. Its proximity to the City of London meant the site held huge redevelopment potential, and it was selected to be revitalised. Spanning over 26 acres, the new Greenford Green development would consist of 1,965 residential units, shops, offices, leisure facilities and a two-form entry primary school and nursery.
Alongside these ambitious plans, the Grand Union Canal, which ran through the centre of the site, would be the basis of a ‘green corridor’ and open space for the large redevelopment works. The integrity of the existing canal wall needed to be stabilised and strengthened in order to make this possible.
David Easter, Site Surveyor for Galldris, explained: “We had little experience working near canals or with the Canal and River Trust, so wished to engage the services of a company who could carry out these specialist services. Upon meeting The Rothen Group, it was clear they had significant experience to carry out the scope of works required in this challenging environment.”
After the tendering process and extensive consultation with Galldris’s designers in the early stages of the project, The Rothen Group were able to provide an all-in service. This included the installation of sheet piles to maintain the integrity of the existing canal wall, and laying a purpose-made coping stones to cap them.
The Rothen Group specified a wide array of machinery suited to the canal environment. This included a wide beam digger pontoon, 8t marine ready excavator, pusher tug & hoppers, coping stone lifters and vibratory and air piling hammers.
The successful completion of the bank stabilisation works has resulted in improved canal-side access, allowing Galldris to transport materials to the site for additional development works. Furthermore, it has led to the installation of a new 30-metre-long footbridge over the Grand Union Canal, providing both sides of Greenford Green’s waterfront community with a vital transport link.
David, concluded: “We are thrilled The Rothen Group were able to assist us in the redevelopment of this site. The work was carried out quickly to the required parameters in a demanding site environment, and the company proved extremely professional and approachable throughout.”