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Former Pirbright Institute, Compton

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The client:Homes England
Services:Enabling works, Demolition, Remediation, Earthworks

The Challenge:

In May 2023, Cognition Land and Water began works at The Former Pirbright Institute in Compton, Berkshire. The site was a scientific animal research facility comprising laboratories, offices, storage sheds, animal welfare buildings, grazing land and an interconnected effluent and sewage treatment system. Our client, Homes England purchased the site with the intention of removing all hazards and provide housing that would sit within the wider community of Compton, including the enhancement and protection of key ecological and environmental features.

 

Cognition’s enabling works contract included the demolition of 65 buildings, radiological/ biological/ chemical contamination remediation, ground clearance and improvement, and construction of the development platform for the proposed residential development.

Cognition’s robust and audited quality, environmental and H&S processes and systems ensured our work was delivered to the highest possible standards, whilst ensuring environmental impact is minimised. Our commitment to environmental stewardship was integral to the project, with significant efforts made to protect and enhance the local ecology. Measures included: Tree and Shrubbery Protection, Habitat Enhancement, Bat Houses, Reptile Hibernaculas, Ecological Monitoring, and Material Reuse within the local community.

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The Approach

Enabling Works

  • Disconnection and removal of all redundant site services
  • Installation of temporary services supplies
  • Protection and maintenance of services to the tenant occupier
  • Installation of site welfare and security
  • Baseline monitoring
  • Installation of new site access/egress arrangements and haul routes
  • Installation of site fencing and hoarding
  • Installation of ecological mitigation activities

Demolition Works

  • Building surveys and additional characterisation activities
  • Asbestos removal
  • Soft stripping
  • Demolition of structures
  • Processing of demolition arisings under EA Quality Protocol

Remediation Works

  • Removal of existing slabs, hardstanding, foundations, tanks, obstructions and below ground services
  • Site investigation and additional characterisation activities
  • Excavation of known areas of soil contamination (chemical, biological and radiological) and buried wastes
  • Processing, screening and segregation of excavated materials
  • Validation and verification activities

Earthworks and Groundworks

  • Infilling of voids and levelling the site to strict Earthworks Specification
  • Maintenance of the central spine access road and access to Intervet site
  • Design and installation of replacement surface water drainage system for Intervet operations
  • Design and installation of new access road and loading apron for Intervet
  • Installation of palisade fencing between the Intervet site and remaining areas of the site

The Outcome

Throughout the remediation, full compliance was achieved with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (as amended 2018 (EPR16) and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009.

Following the remediation, validation surveys were undertaken which included both direct radiation measurements and radiological sampling of the remediated areas.  The measurement and analysis results confirmed that all identified contaminated locations have been remediated in satisfaction of Permit requirements.

Our innovative approach to this brownfield project has allowed us to deliver a hazard-free site back to the community for future development. By prioritising community involvement, promoting diversity and equity, adhering to regulatory standards, enhancing social well-being and protecting the environment, we have not only revitalised a complex site but also fostered a future vibrant and inclusive community space.

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