Jun 27 2006
Manchester-based demolition experts J Freeley Ltd used the controlled collapse method of demolition to remove a number of redundant industrial buildings at a site at Manchester Road, Bolton.
J Freeley used excavators armed with sheer attachments to cut off the roofs of the steel-framed buildings.
The use of this remote demolition technique was undertaken in compliance with Health & Safety Executive guidelines on minimising risk to demolition operatives, local residents and members of the public.
During the contract planning stage, J Freeley had considered manual removal of the asbestos sheet to the high level roofs, but ruled this out on health and safety grounds.
During the demolition the site was continuously sprayed with water to suppress the spread of dust and asbestos fibres. Regular background monitoring was carried out to ensure that any fibre release was within the prescribed control limits. A fenced exclusion zone around the buildings was created to ensure site staff or visitors did not enter the demolition area. The asbestos material was then carefully loaded onto skips by operatives wearing protective clothing and respirators.
The work was carried out in three phases over several months, and now the site is being tidied up in readiness for extensive redeveloment. The redundant industrial site, which is a key gateway to the town, was recently dubbed "a disgrace" by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council.
J Freeley was awarded the contract to clear the Burnham Park works by developers Charles Topham Group, of Egerton in Bolton, following a competitive tender.
More than 7,000 tonnes of hardcore and concrete waste were generated during the demolition. This will be crushed on site and will be re-used in the foundations of the development work to come.
Charles Topham Group director David Maddocks said: "We have used J Freeley for demolition work before and we knew they had the capability of carrying out this work using the so-called controlled collapse method. This involved demolishing the buildings remotely by excavator fitted with special sheer attachments.
"Time was critical on this contract to enable us to start work on the new development as soon as possible. We knew J Freeley would be capable of meeting our tight deadlines. In fact we most impressed by the efficiency and speed of their demolition team."
Charles Topham Group has already begun development work on a £3½ million Renault dealership on the site which is expected to open at the end of the summer. The state-of-the-art showroom will form the centrepiece of a wider commercial development to be named Springfield Court. Along with the 19,000 sq ft car showroom, Charles Topham Group is also building one other car showroom and five speculative office buildings with a total floor space of 46,000 sq ft which will be made available for sale or to let.
The redevelopment will help drive forward the wider regeneration of the Burnden area of Bolton which will lead to a greatly improved environment and the creation of new jobs.