Dudleys Consulting Engineers has completed works to remediate a complicated former gas works site close to York city centre. The practice was retained to oversee all ground engineering works for ‘The Gas Works’ to prepare the site for intended residential development.
The 12-acre brownfield site at Heworth Green in York was previously occupied by an array of structures including 22m tall gasometers, low rise warehouse and office buildings, major gas distribution pipework and infrastructure, an electricity sub-station, and a telecoms mast.
In 2020 planning approval was secured for full site demolition, site remediation and development of a residential led development for up to 600 homes.
Dudleys was appointed principal engineering partner to the development in 2018 when it supported the planning phases with expert evidence and advice. It undertook considerable site investigations in conjunction with Dunelm Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd to establish contamination levels and prepare a strategy with the Council for the safe removal of the gasometer, and the diversion of a major over-ground gas main serving York City Centre moving underground.
Dudleys worked alongside remediation specialist, The Sirius Group with an extensive programme involving a full site turnover, excavation and treatment of contaminated soils, reengineering of site materials, crushing of demolished materials, protection of a gas main, civil engineering works and service diversions.
Andy Walker at Dudleys Consulting Engineers said: “We have been advising on The Gas Works in York for over six years with a very carefully procured strategy to clean up the site ready for new development. We faced many challenges due to significant contamination from 100 years of coke and sea gas uses with many buried structures.
“Our expert team has successfully navigated these challenges, and we are delighted to hand over this strategically important, disused brownfield site ready for much needed new residential accommodation in York.
“The scheme has been a great ‘Team Effort’ drawing on the experience and capabilities of many consultants and individuals including Aspect4 Ltd (Project Management), O’Neill Associates (Planning Consultants), Vincent & Partners (Architecture), Dunelm Geotechnical (Site Investigation/Remediation), and Ellmes (Development Director).”
