| Project: | Bonded Warehouse |
| Location: | Derby city centre |
| Client: | Clowes Developments |
| Status: | Complete |
| Services: | Enabling & Demolition |
Cawarden orchestrates stabilisation and site preparation works for the historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in Derby to pave the way for an exciting new future for the 11.5-acre site.
The Bonded Warehouse and Engine House, both Grade II Listed buildings, were originally part of the Friar Gate station and goods yard. However, they had become derelict and suffered damage from a fire, rendering them unsafe.
Clowes Developments appointed Cawarden as the Principal Contractor to carry out extensive stabilisation and site preparation works on this iconic site.
As part of the site setup, a 15-metre buffer area was installed around the perimeter of the buildings, which involved a temporary public footpath diversion.
To prevent damage to protected plant species that were located at various points across the site, they were suitably safeguarded prior to the commencement of the works, in line with advice from project ecologists.
Due to the condition of the buildings, it was not possible to complete a pre-demolition asbestos survey. Hence, we carried out an asbestos-watching brief throughout the works.
The initial making safe process involved inspecting and removing loose perimeter bricks from the wall plate.
A 70-tonne crane with a man-riding basket was constructed to allow safe access to the buildings to complete the required stabilisation work. Measures were taken to protect the remaining structure from further decay, including the removal of the roof structure and salvaging and reinstating loose and unstable masonry.
All waste was cleared from the ground floor level and stockpiled on-site for potential salvage and later re-use into the future development.
We worked closely with Derby County Council’s Heritage & Conservation team, who regularly inspected the buildings to ensure the works were carried out in conjunction with their stringent requirements.
Clowes Developments has appointed Wavensmere Homes to develop the 11.5-acre site, including the two landmark buildings Cawarden has made safe. The site is planned to be transformed into around 275 homes, plus a significant element of mixed-use commercial space, which will bring about the restoration of the Bonded Warehouse and Engine House buildings.
We would like to mention Cawarden, the specialist contractor, who orchestrated the recent stabilisation works to the listed structures, as well as other site preparation, to allow ourselves and Wavensmere Homes to finally bring the site forward.”
THOMAS CLOWES
DIRECTOR OF CLOWES DEVELOPMENTS
It was great to work with Clowes Developments and the project team on such a prestigious site in our home city, and we’re pleased to see further development of the site going forward.”