GlaxoSmithKline Headquarters

The initial civils works entailed a 50,000m3 bulk excavation and fill operation, soil washing and manual sorting of excavated material, removal of contaminated material, groundwater remediation, the construction of temporary roads, land drains and ducts, an access ramp, foul drainage with pumping station and sheet pile walls.

The infrastructure works package embraced all new roads and accesses, surface car parks, extensive areas of high quality paving, hard landscaping features to form terraces and canal frontage, gabion walling and soft landscaping.

Part of the scope of works was to construct a 7m high gabion wall, 56m in length. The cages were filled in stratified layers with limestone. The wall was designed to retain the earth fill behind it with the design including tying back to the built-up ground.

The fill operation was closely monitored with regular testing at specified levels to ensure the compaction achieved specification. The architect was very keen to ensure the limestone façade was as envisaged and was a regular visitor during the construction. Cages were specially selected in increments, ensuring the steps were even and regular.

The hard landscaping involved extensive areas of block paving, cobbles, natural stone paving and water features. Other areas were surfaced in red tarmacadam. The main water feature included the installation of a steel sculpture and associated paving.