THE PROJECT
The complexity of developing Olia Court cannot be overstressed. Located in the heart of Croydon, the dilapidating and partially collapsed structure was marketed for four years with no interest from developers. Site information:
- Property was previously used as dye shop disposing of chemicals into the soil. The soil was contaminated and required Phase 1,2 investigation, remediation works to remove contamination and reclaim the land for safe development.
- The land was of interest to English Heritage and required a programme of Archaeological investigation.
- Geotechnical investigation revealed potential risk of gas build up and installation of monitoring wells was required.
- The site is located in pedestrian zone with no vehicular traffic allowed.
- The sole access to site is through historical Surrey Street and its 1,000-year-old market that operates six days per week except Mondays.
- Complex Party Wall awards needed with “Ye Olde Dog & Bull Public House” (Established in 1431) owners, Young & Co.‘s Brewery PLC on East side and with BT plc., owners of Croydon Telephone Exchange to the West.
We secured planning permission for a block of flats and needed to overcome challenging site conditions before construction could even commence.
THE SOLUTION
Pre-construction activities and Enabling works were broken down into individual steps and execution sequence established.
Construction schedule was optimised to eliminate idle periods emanating from activities with varying execution timeframes.
English Heritage was engaged and collaborative archaeological programme agreed including nomination of contractors. Specific locations aligning with monitoring wells installation areas were agreed and archaeological digs started by hand and brush. Once required archaeological strata depth was achieved and section cleared- drilling and installation of monitoring wells commenced. Sequence repeated until archaeological condition was fully discharged and all monitoring wells installed. Excellent example of discharging two complex Planning conditions within the same time period by integrating them.
Soil removed during archaeological and geotechnical works were removed to specialist reclamation facility in South London.
Subsequently, temporary formwork was installed along line of junction to allow respective Party Wall surveyors validate method statement and inspect propping arrangements thus facilitating Awards.
Croydon Council was approached and exemption secured for afterhours vehicular access.
THE BENEFIT
The Client was no longer sitting on a stretch of contaminated and inaccessible land but secured a highly desirable Asset in Central Croydon with all the amenities it has to offer.
Croydon Regeneration received a boost by newly developed area and English Heritage got enriched with artefacts recovered during excavations. Artefacts are now on display.
Head of Croydon Building Control did ask our Director:
-why did you take this development knowing how difficult it is?
-“because no one else would” he replied.