Hayle Harbour
Ground Stabilisation
Stabilisation of the upper 300mm of soils to achieve 30% CBR and facilitate pile mat installation.
Contaminated Land Remediation
Excavation and treatment of hydrocarbon-impacted soils using Dunton’s Bio-Accelerator™ remediation process.
Earthworks & Site Preparation
Comprehensive site clearance, cut and fill operations, hardstanding breakout and underground tank removal.
Project Overview
Dunton was appointed by Bowmer and Kirkland to deliver remediation and enabling works at Hayle Harbour, North Cornwall, as part of a major harbourside regeneration scheme. The project involved preparing South Quay for redevelopment, including a new ASDA supermarket and associated parking facilities.
The site presented significant environmental and engineering challenges due to historic industrial uses, including a former foundry, shipbuilding and engineering operations. Contamination, asbestos-containing materials and proximity to sensitive environmental receptors required a carefully managed remediation stay.
Project Cost
£780,000
Size
150,000m²
Recycled Materials
100%
Completion Time
4 Months
The Problem
The Hayle Harbour site had a long industrial history that had left significant contamination risks across the development area. Previous foundry, shipbuilding and engineering activities resulted in asbestos-containing materials, mixed demolition waste and contaminated soils requiring extensive remediation before redevelopment could commence.
Challenges Faced
- Historic contamination from foundry, shipbuilding and engineering activities.
- Presence of asbestos-containing materials within soils and made ground.
- Site located adjacent to the Hayle Estuary and Carnsew Pool SSSI.
- Tidal groundwater influencing construction activities.
- Extensive environmental controls required throughout the project.
- Adverse weather conditions during the wettest recorded January in the South West of England.
The Solution
Dunton established dedicated soil treatment zones to facilitate screening, processing and removal of asbestos-containing materials. The programme combined remediation, enabling works and environmental management measures to safely prepare the site for redevelopment while protecting surrounding environmental receptors
Techniques Used
- Soil treatment, screening and asbestos removal operations.
- Environmental monitoring and management systems throughout the works.
- Installation of silt curtains and temporary cofferdams to protect adjacent watercourses.
- Lime modification of soils for development platforms.
- Construction of piling mat platforms for future development works.
- Excavation and removal of historic sluice gates under archaeological supervision.
- Site clearance, obstruction removal and cut and fill works.
The Result
Dunton successfully delivered the earthworks and ground stabilisation package, creating safe and stable development platforms for the construction of the new primary school. Through effective programme management and specialist ground improvement techniques, the works were completed within the client’s programme requirements.
Key Results
- 10,000m² site prepared for development.
- Enabled construction of a new 210-pupil primary school.
- Project completed within an 8-week programme.
- Soil shortfalls successfully managed through Hub and Cluster operations.
- Car park and hardstanding areas stabilised to 5% CBR.
- Building footprint stabilised to 15% CBR.
- Ground stabilisation completed across key construction areas.
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.”
