Sandwell Aquatics
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 Wates Group to deliver remediation, ground stabilisation and earthworks at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick. The project formed part of Sandwell Council’s £73 million aquatic and leisure facility development, which includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, diving pool and community leisure facilities.
Having The site presented a number of environmental and geotechnical challenges due to its industrial history and proximity to sensitive environmental receptors. Dunton’s works included remediation, soil stabilisation, earthworks and invasive species treatment, preparing the site for construction while maintaining programme requirements.
Project Cost
1.25 Million
Size
54,000m²
Contaminated Soil Treated
900m³
Completion Time
26 Weeks
The Problem
The site had a complex industrial legacy, having previously operated as a tannery, leatherworks and engineering facility. Historical activities had resulted in hydrocarbon contamination, while the site’s proximity to the River Wandle, a culvert system and nearby wetlands required careful environmental management throughout the works.
Challenges Faced
- Historical contamination from former industrial uses.
- Ground conditions requiring stabilisation before construction.
- Japanese Knotweed identified on site.
- Persistent adverse weather increasing soil moisture levels.
- Adjacent watercourses and environmentally sensitive areas.
- Five underground fuel storage tanks requiring removal and validation.
- Hydrocarbon hotspots identified during ground investigations.
The Solution
Dunton implemented a targeted remediation and ground improvement strategy to prepare the site for development. The programme combined contamination treatment, earthworks, soil stabilisation and invasive species management, ensuring the site achieved the required engineering standards for construction.
Techniques Used
- Site strip and topsoil removal.
- Moisture conditioning to manage adverse ground conditions.
- Japanese Knotweed treatment using EradZion8™.
- Pile mat installation.
- Soil stabilisation to achieve 30% CBR.
- Hydrocarbon soil treatment using Bio-Accelerator™.
- Cut and fill earthworks.
- Removal and validation of five underground fuel tanks.
- Tree and shrub removal.
- Hardstanding breakout and site clearance.
The Result
Dunton successfully remediated and stabilised the site, creating a suitable development platform for one of the region’s flagship leisure projects. Through specialist treatment techniques and effective management of complex site conditions, the works enabled construction of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre to progress safely and efficiently.
Key Results
- 54,000m² site remediated and prepared for development.
- Enabled delivery of Sandwell’s £73 million aquatics and leisure facility.
- Site delivered within a 26-week programme.
- Ground stabilised to support future construction works.
- Japanese Knotweed successfully treated and controlled.
- Five underground fuel storage tanks safely removed and validated.
- 990m³ of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils excavated and treated.
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.”
