Identification of key challenges during the tender stage was crucial to securing the project. Innovative solutions focused on accelerating long-term consolidation settlement, sustainably sourcing 210,000m3 of fill, waste regulation, soil reuse, ecological enhancement, and engaging with the community.

We conducted additional ground investigations to better understand ground conditions and contamination. Implementing Prefabricated Vertical Drains accelerated consolidation of soft alluvium, reducing the predicted settlement time from 30 years to under 1 year. Through re-engineering made ground and surcharging the development platform, we improved ground strength, eliminating the need for extensive soil replacement.

Proactive negotiations with the Environment Agency enabled reuse of site-won and imported soils. Various approaches were employed including Cognition’s Mobile Plant Permit, a Deposit for Recovery Environmental Permit and soil import under DoWCoP. Compliance was confirmed through numerous EA inspections, earning commendations from agency officers.

Cognition prioritised reuse of site-won soils and sustainably sourced materials. Over 99% of excavated made ground was processed and reused onsite. By employing diverse remediation techniques and sustainable materials sourcing, we achieved reuse of 450,000m3 of soil. In addition, ecologically sensitive areas were improved through species translocation and habitat enhancements.

Cognition actively engaged the local community through a dedicated liaison manager, ensuring regular updates and addressing concerns through newsletters, maildrops, social media, direct contact, and through a supportive local counsellor.

Cognition's 'Safety At Our Core' campaign was launched on this project. Engaging with staff and focussing on behaviours, leadership, environmental and safety standards, we used the cloud-based iAuditor platform to monitor and document inspections and audits, improving efficiency and performance. This centralised system ensured swift action on learning points, resulting in zero reported accidents, injuries or incidents throughout.

Cognition introduced many innovative, sustainable, and value-driven solutions, delivering the project collaboratively, safely, within budget, to a reduced timeline, and with regulatory approval. The outcome featured excellent stakeholder and community relationships, a zero-accident record, and significant ecological improvements. Campbell Reith praised our work saying, “Cognition’s can-do attitude and approach to this challenging project has been exemplary”.

Please visit the following link to find out more about the exemplary work we completed on this complex project: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:519313a8-a91c-4507-a314-b7d15b25f493