Matthews (Sussex) Limited were contracted to undertake the demolition, asbestos removal, muck away and site clearance of the mixed use factory buildings at the 10 acre site to make way for Innox Riverside. There were six listed buildings of architectural and historical interest to be retained and protected during the project which are to be refurbished to provide new restaurants and leisure units.
The structures were constructed of steelwork, concrete, brick, refrigeration panels and timber with over 95% of the waste streams being processed on site then recycled.
Considerable preparation and planning works were required due to environmental constraints and the sensitivity of the surrounding area. At the North and North West perimeter of the site is the River Biss; this was of particular concern during the works due to the close proximity of one of the buildings to be demolished, this was carefully managed and successfully demolished without incident. At the South and South West perimeter is Trowbridge railway line. Consideration had to be taken during the planning of the project to ensure there were no adverse effects from the demolition works to the activities of the rail network.
The site has two separate Victorian foul and surface water drainage culverts which had to be protected and remain clear and uncontaminated throughout the project. Matthews (Sussex) Limited adhered to rigorous procedures in addition to comprehensive planning; this enabled the successful completion of the project by the safest method whilst remaining on time and to budget with no delays or damage to Network Rail property or impact to the surrounding Environment.