This site contained a pharmaceuticals production plant, covered an area of approximately 10 hectares and had a fall of 16 metres. The underlying geology was chalk and there was a complex network of underground tunnels and storage facilities. The proposed major redevelopment comprised commercial, residential and potentially leisure usage. Access roads, car parking and landscaping were integral to the scheme, which required substantial demolition of both above and below ground structures, with the retention of one Listed building.

SCOPE OF WORK
Harrison Group was principal contractor and was required to draw up an interpretive geotechnical report. Prior to this, teams undertook approximately two months of fieldwork in order to provide detailed analysis of the site. Works included CP and rotary drilling, soakaway and cone penetration testing, plus trial pit excavation. Rotary drilling was undertaken using a 76mm diameter triple barrel coring system with a water and air flush. The chalk cores obtained were logged and photographed on site. The machineexcavated trial pits encountered chalk at shallow depths and this was logged in-situ. Permeability testing took place in specified pits with the water supply being provided by a 4,000-gallon tanker. Many investigation positions were located in existing roadways and car parks, requiring close liaison with the site management team to minimise disruption to users of the site.

CONCLUSION
The sloping topography, underlying chalk and high number of underground services presented a series of planning issues. With a clear brief to minimise disruption and only limited space for equipment storage, Harrison Group worked closely with the plant’s senior management team to schedule the most efficient method of working around the site. Each area of ground works required careful prior assessment using service drawings and surveys. Successful completion of fieldworks and interpretive report allowed the site developers to plan the next phase of this important regeneration project.