The Royals Business Park

London, UK

Project outline

The project comprised the redevelopment of former dockland alongside Albert Dock opposite City Airport for a business park with prestigious office accommodation:  A prime location for accessibility with stunning views across the docks, airport and beyond.

Faber Maunsell were appointed to provide Geo-environmental advice in support of a detailed planning submission for the proposed development of Phase 1 of the Royals Business Park comprising 250.000sq. ft of office development with undercroft car parking.

Previous investigations undertaken identified subterranean gases, heavy metals and localised hydrocarbon contamination within the Made Ground.  The results of a qualitative and quantitative risk assessment identified  ‘hot spot’ areas likely to require remediation.  The results of groundwater testing showed widespread, elevated concentrations of chromium and localised elevated concentration of TPH (hydrocarbons).  There was also a risk of finding unexploded ordnance from the bombing of the docklands during the second world war.  Specialist advice was sought and all ground works carried out in accordance with their recommendations.

A remediation Strategy was formulated for the whole of the Royals Business Park and was approved by Newham‘s Environmental Health Department.   Additional negotiations were carried out with the Environment Agency to agree a programme of groundwater monitoring during the groundworks.

Further investigations targeted at the Phase 1 development area were carried out to reduce the risks of unforeseen ground conditions for the developer.  Raised concentrations of methane and carbon dioxide were recorded during a series of monitoring visits.  As an alternative to the use of a conventional gas proof membrane with a traditional passive venting system beneath the basement slab an easy to install lower capital cost  positive air pressure system was adopted to protect the development from the methane and carbon dioxide being generated from the in-situ peat and made ground.

Contract value

£0.04m

Skills utilised

• Geotechnical
• Building Engineering