Lots of work for Scudder

Scudder Demolition was principal contractor on the demolition and façade retention of Lots Road Power Station in London, United Kingdom. The project, which involved asbestos removal, soft stripping, structural alterations, provision of extensive temporary works and retention of the existing façade.

The power station will ultimately be converted into a mix of high-end apartments, affordable housing and light commercial units.

The expertise of Carey Group company, Ion Environmental, was pivotal in the identification and removal of loose asbestos debris.

Following the identification of further asbestos, Scudder and Ion decontaminated the wall surface, facilitating the installation of structural building supports.

The tight footprint added to the complexity of this project, with the power station located adjacent to the River Thames and London Underground assets.

Scudder’s specially trained teams undertook intricate demolition work by hand to prevent damage to the river or tunnel walls.

Careys Civil Engineering delivered an extensive package of works, including site clearance, a 48,000 t excavation, temporary works, reinforcement of the river wall and drainage.

As access to the site was difficult, a temporary bridge craned into position was installed, overcoming logistical challenges.

This enabled loading of spoil onto 550 t barges, saving around 175 lorry movements per day and simultaneously reducing the impact on local residents.

The expertise of Careys design team was fundamental in ensuring the structural integrity of the building throughout the works, along with the use of careful deconstruction techniques used by Scudder to significantly reduce the effects of vibrations and movements in the existing structure.

Producing energy from waste at Lostock

Another part of the group, Careys Civil Engineering has been awarded a demolition and enabling package of works on the project to transform the former Lostock Power Station in Northwich in the north west of England into an energy from waste (EfW) facility. Once completed, the new plant will recover energy from the residual waste that remains after all re-usable and recyclable materials have been removed. Not only will the Lostock EfW facility generate enough energy to power approximately 125,000 homes per year, it will also promote sustainability by diverting large amounts of waste from landfill.

Fellow Carey Group companies, Ion Environmental and Scudder Demolition, will also contribute to the delivery of works on this project as part of the self-delivery model of the group to offer a range of specialist solutions.

At Lostock, some of the services being provided include:

• Asbestos removal from over 20 structure
• Demolition of 27 buildings
• Remediation of the ground, including historic deep lime pits
• Structural alteration to the current substation
• Diversion of water main, fire hydrant and foul sewers
• Construction of water purification plant; Substation B; three-storey office block; canal and bridges.

Article originally published in the November-December 2019 issue of Demolition & Recycling International