Complex Remediation and enabling works of large 45-acre site, Lancashire

Challenge

Remediation and preparation of a 45-acre site previously used for mining, as well as educational and agricultural purposes, in readiness for the construction of 430 new homes.

With a 28-week timeframe, the obstacle of former mineshafts and environmental restrictions presented by nesting season, the site presented a number of logistical, technical and ecological challenges.

Community engagement was also a key objective, requiring the development of community infrastructure and amenities to make a positive impact, and the site’s multiple stakeholders and brands necessitated careful management of the project through excellent channels of communication.

Solution

Ecological attendance avoided disruption to local wildlife and nesting birds on the site during a critical period, and reclaimed materials were reused wherever possible on the site to minimise landfill, manage the client’s budget and reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

During Phase 1, and together with the clearance and remediation of the site to improve soil conditions through testing and identification of hot spots, McAuliffe capped and stabilised mineshafts to ensure the safety and stability of the site for future development.

Hundreds of metres of old stone walling were reclaimed and earmarked for reuse during future phases of development, adding a unique heritage value to the site, whilst the creation of a car park for the local football team supported long-term community impact.

Results

Effective ecological management and scheduling progressed the project without delays despite environmental constraints, and the budget was controlled through the reclamation and reuse of materials on site, also contributing to a significant reduction in the overall environmental impact of the project. Notably, the project underwent multiple unscheduled health and safety inspections, all of which achieved 100% feedback scores indicating outstanding site safety and compliance standards.

This project demonstrates the value of effective site management, sustainability practices and community collaboration in overcoming complex environmental challenges, meeting not only the technical demands of this former mining site but delivering added value through material reuse, ecological protection and community infrastructure improvements.