The vision for Meridian Water is to create a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive development that will bring thousands of homes, jobs and opportunities to the community. To allow this to happen, an extensive range of enabling works, including the naturalisation of Pymmes Brook, two new parks, bridges, footpaths, road and cycle links need to be delivered over the next few years.

We are making significant progress on our scope of works on the project, despite some horrible weather conditions over the last few months - a true testament to the close communication, careful planning and proactive, ‘can-do’ attitude of the whole project team.

The remediation phase of the project, which involved extensive environmental management, is nearing completion and has successfully addressed key environmental challenges whilst delivering cost-saving solutions for the client. We are approaching completion of the site turnover and remediation of approximately 88,000m³ of soils, an essential step in preparing the land for future development. As part of the enabling works, Cognition has remediated extensive areas of soil contamination, invasive species and radiological contamination using innovative technologies and processes that have allowed for the onsite remediation and retention of the majority of excavated soils, thereby eliminating the need for costly off-site disposal and providing a sustainable soil management and reuse solution. Further key works include the removal of the Bailey bridge crossing the Pymmes Brook and extensive groundwater remediation. Utilising Cognition’s advanced FabEx hydrocarbon product extraction system, the team has effectively remediated LNAPL and DNAPL contamination, whilst also implementing air sparging techniques to address elevated vinyl chloride concentrations in groundwater.

In addition to these specialised remediation efforts, Cognition has undertaken large-scale bulk earthworks and topsoil manufacture, further contributing to the transformation of the Meridian Water SIW site. Another major accomplishment of the project included the removal of over 10,000 tonnes of fly-tipped waste, ensuring the site has been restored to optimal conditions.

Alongside Cognition’s commitment to delivering our work in the most sustainable, cost effective and efficient way possible, we also have a keen focus on driving social, economic and environmental improvements in the communities in which we work. Cognition is investing heavily to deliver our Social Value commitments for the project by ‘giving back’ to the community of Enfield. We have been enthusiastically involved in numerous careers events in Enfield, facilitated the re-employment and education of individuals in the community and supported the development of local businesses. A notable example was our involvement in ‘The Pitch Off’, a programme that aimed to empower young start-up founders occupying Angels Yard through mentorship and funding. We have also hosted several work placements at Meridian Water SIW and we just welcomed a new apprentice QS, from the local community, to the team.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole project team, from the Client and Principal Contractor to the sub-contractors, consultants and regulators. The successes of this project to date showcase the strong partnership of the Meridian Water SIW team!