In May 2023, Cognition Land and Water began works on a project in Compton, Berkshire, at The former Pirbright Institute. The site was a scientific research facility consisting of a number of laboratories, offices, storage sheds, animal welfare buildings, grazing land and an interconnected foul and sewage treatment system. Our client, Homes England, purchased the site with the intent to remove 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.

Our 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 has robust and audited quality, environmental and H&S processes and systems in place to ensure our work is 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 community.

Thank to you to our client, Homes England, for entrusting this incredible project to us and thank you to their project managers, Arcadis, for collaborating with us throughout this project.

This is another big win for the team that worked on Compton; well done to you all!