Atlantic Park, Liverpool - Phase 1

We currently delivering a phased redevelopment of a former industrial site, where we’re providing civil, structural, and environmental services. The scheme will deliver over 800,000 sqft of space across seven buildings, including industrial and office units, car parking, and landscaped areas. The first phase, now completed, comprises approximately 100,000 sqft across the first two buildings. As part of the early works, we also managed the demolition of two substantial structures previously occupied by Rolls Royce as part of their factory operations.

For the new industrial units, we implemented an innovative approach to stormwater management. Units 1 - 4 feature Twinstore tanks: lightweight, helically wound steel pipes with perforated joints that allow water to pass freely into a granular backfill, all contained within an impermeable membrane. This integrated design handles roof drainage, surface water collection, and attenuation in one efficient system, significantly reducing footprint, installation time, and cost. It's proved a highly effective alternative to traditional concrete or plastic tanks and presents a valuable precedent for future projects of similar scale.

The 19-hectare site itself has a rich industrial history, with past use by The English Electric Company and later Rolls Royce Aeronautical Engineering. We conducted extensive geotechnical and geo-environmental ground investigations through multiple phases. These revealed groundwater contamination within the Principal Aquifer, linked to historical site activity. One of the key findings was a Trichloroethene (TCE) plume, which prompted detailed assessments and monitoring to understand its extent and behaviour, ultimately supporting the development of a Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment.

Early collaboration with the Environment Agency ensured alignment on our assessment approach, helping to avoid delays to the planning process. We maintained clear and thorough communication with the client throughout, keeping them informed of potential risks and commercial impacts.

Due to the presence of contamination, groundwater remediation was required. We conducted Remediation Options and Sustainability Appraisals focused on client-specific criteria, which led to the development of a comprehensive Remediation Strategy and Implementation Plan. In coordination with specialist remediation contractors, we oversaw the in-situ remediation process - including the drilling of around 50 boreholes and the injection of 5,800 litres of treatment products into the aquifer. These injections targeted both the source zone and the site boundary, where a Permeable Reactive Barrier was installed to support enhanced reductive dichlorination and in-situ chemical reduction of Trichloroethene (TCE) and its breakdown products.

Verification monitoring is ongoing through an 18-month programme. Initial results are encouraging, and interim technical reports are being issued to demonstrate progress, satisfy Environment Agency requirements, and support the discharge of pre-occupation planning conditions.