Canterbury Riverside
Ground Stabilisation
D-Found Soil Stabilisation used to construct development platforms and value-engineered pile mats.
Contaminated Land Remediation
Identification and management of hydrocarbon, ACM and coal tar contamination, including excavation and disposal of hazardous soils.
Earthworks & Pile Mat Construction
Reduce level excavation, asbestos picking, pile mat construction and piling attendance services.
Project Overview
Dunton was appointed by Bouygues to deliver earthworks, remediation and ground stabilisation works at the Canterbury Riverside development in Canterbury city centre. The former car park and petrol filling station required extensive remediation and enabling works to prepare the site for redevelopment.
The project formed part of a wider £115 million mixed-use scheme incorporating commercial space, a cinema, residential accommodation and student housing. Dunton’s scope included reduce-level dig operations, asbestos management, hazardous soil removal, stabilisation works and the design and construction of development-ready piling platforms.
Project Cost
£780,000
Size
34,000m²
Development Supports
180 homes, cinema, commercial space & student accommodation
Completion Time
23 Weeks
The Problem
The former petrol station and car park site contained a range of historical contaminants that required careful management before redevelopment could commence. In addition to contamination risks, the project faced logistical challenges associated with varying site levels, material shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and groundwater influences arising from the site’s proximity to the River Stour.
Challenges Faced
- Historic contamination including hydrocarbons, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and coal tar.
- Elevated groundwater influence due to the site’s location adjacent to the River Stour.
- COVID-19 supply chain pressures created shortages of imported stone materials.
- Temporary access ramp required between pile mat levels.
- Two pile mat areas with approximately 3m difference in elevation.
- Hazardous soils requiring excavation and off-site disposal.
The Solution
Dunton implemented a coordinated remediation, earthworks and stabilisation strategy to prepare the site for future construction. Hazardous soils were identified, excavated and removed where necessary, while asbestos-containing materials were carefully managed throughout the works.
Using D-Found Soil Stabilisation, the team delivered value engineered pile mat solutions that reduced reliance on imported materials during a period of significant supply chain disruption. Earthworks were carefully phased to accommodate level changes across the site, including the construction of access ramps and piling platforms to support ongoing development activities.
Innovative Techniques
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D-Found Soil Stabilisation.
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Crushing and processing of ground obstructions.
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Additional moisture conditioning of wet soils.
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Ground improvement to achieve 15% CBR.
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Stabilisation of the upper 300mm of soils.
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Hardstanding breakout.
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Surface water treatment.
The Result
A Dunton successfully delivered the remediation, earthworks and stabilisation package, transforming a contaminated brownfield site into a development-ready platform for one of Canterbury’s largest regeneration schemes. Through effective management of contamination, groundwater and supply chain challenges, the project remained on programme and supported the client’s wider development objectives.
The completed works enabled the delivery of a landmark mixed-use scheme compromising residential accommodation, student housing, commercial space and leisure facilities in the heart of Canterbury.
Key Results
- 34,000m² site prepared for redevelopment.
- Project completed within a 23-week programme.
- Development enabled for 180 homes, student accommodation, commercial units and a cinema.
- Groundwater constraints successfully managed adjacent to the River Stour.
- Value-engineered solution implemented during COVID-19 material shortages.
- Ground stabilisation used to support pile mat construction.
- Hazardous soils safely excavated and managed.
- £780,000 remediation and earthworks package delivered.
What Our Partners Say
“Dunton’s expertise in land remediation transformed what seemed like an insurmountable challenge into an opportunity for success. Their innovative methods saved us time and money while delivering exceptional results. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
