Woodmace were appointed by TSL Projects to undertake the enabling works, S278 works and groundworks on a three-acre site in Sterte Avenue West in the Holes Bay area of Poole in Dorset. The site was situated, almost, next door to Woodmace’s office and we were proud to be involved in such a flagship local scheme.
The project was for a new large scale distribution/parcel warehousing facility and vehicle storage facility for large well known e-commerce business (Amazon).
Our works were for the provision of enabling/temporary works, 278 works, groundworks, drainage, and foundations. It also included preparatory works for tarmac and ducting/ trenching for services including fire hydrants as well as hard landscaping.
Some unusual elements and aspects of the project included:
• Prior to Woodmace arriving on site the Client had previously stabilised the ground using cement stablisation which required breaking up the ground using excavators. Large aggregate was identified within the existing link road which meant that the planned sheet piling, and trench boxes were inadequate. Due to this, the original works had to be redesigned and we needed to provide a different option of a pumping system (fusion weld) in lieu of the traditional gravity drain system. This was developed by the de-signers, meaning a shallower dig of approx. 1m, and that our works were above the boulders and water issues previously experienced.
• Night time working around public access road works.
• Tidal movements, during our excavations there was a high-water table giv-en the proximity of the site (opposite Holes Bay) this meant tidal move-ments of the harbour had to be taken into consideration during our works.
• Communication, liaison and phasing of the works planned an important role in the success of this project. With regards to the preparation and laying of tarmac to Sterte Lane and the private bakery access road. The logistics of the works and sequencing had to be planned and involved linking in and communication with local authorities and number of parties and road users.
• Our client had a high-pressure opening deadline to be operational, there-fore our works had to be undertaken around multiple contractors and their workforces which meant that sequencing of works to ensure that the re-quirements were met was key. Neighborhood liaison to ensure that - lor-ries/HGV's passing were aware of our works and the timings of any lane closures were imperative for both communication and safety of our work-force. Woodmace ensured that by working in partnership with the local authority (BCP Council) and highways that both the public and neighboring business were made aware of traffic management requirements and were made aware ahead of time of our work activities.
Interface and co-ordination were importance to the success of this project. Working hours were permitted to 7 days a week – (7am to 7pm) with some additional night shifts being permitted for roadworks to public roads.