Given the nature of the structure, we have deployed a range of methodologies to ensure the structures were carefully deconstructed within the footprint of the buildings. Methodologies included sequential controlled top-down demolition, mechanical methods and demolition utilising an ultra-high reach excavator – all of which were undertaken to pave way for a £400M mixed used development comprising of residential, office and retail premises.
Demolition was undertaken simultaneously to the main high reach demolition activities in a top-down fashion, with a complex sequence that required BROKK demolition for large parts of the structure. All the scaffold on the front of the cinema was designed and constructed to take the load of the BROKK machines working from the scaffold and the gantry.
Two underpinning techniques were carefully considered, before jet grout underpinning was chosen ahead of traditional underpinning. Jet grouting, although extremely effective, is not always a popular choice for inner city projects due to a lack of space. However, with specialist contractor Keller employed to undertake the design and build of the underpins, the jet grout underpinning ran smoothly. In total, 71 jet grout columns were constructed under the buildings existing foundation, transferring the load down to the clay layer approximately 6-7m beneath.
The busy urban area in which the works took place was at the forefront of our safe system of working. The site was located at the West End of Oxford Street, adjacent to the iconic Marble Arch and bound by Oxford Street, Edgware Road, and Bryanston Street. As a result, our Traffic Management Plans and Neighbourhood Liaison Strategy was pivotal in the continued successful delivery of this prestigious contract.
World Demolition Award 2017 – Marble Arch Place: Awarded to Erith for the intricate demolition project at London’s Marble Arch. This project, which also won Contract of the Year over US $1M, was voted as the overall best in field according to the international panel of judges.
