Kvaerner Cementation Foundations (KCF) has secured a £750,000 piling contract for a new retail and leisure development under construction by Bovis Lendlease - the latest in a series of projects it has carried out for the construction contractor across the North of England.
In this latest award, KCF is installing foundation piles at the Lowry Galleria, a large multi-storey development in the city’s docklands area comprising retail outlets, leisure complex and luxury apartments.
Work has now started on sinking some 1,500 piles between 18 and 22 metres deep, using the Continuous Flight Auger technique. Because KCF was called in for consultations at an early stage, it was able to help develop a more efficient ground engineering solution by adopting a combination of 400, 500 and 600 mm diameter piles to match the various loading requirements of the scheme.
The Galleria project is next to the Lowry Centre, a new arts complex opening shortly in celebration of Salford’s world-famous painter of “matchstick” people, L. S. Lowry. Kvaerner Cementation Foundations also carried out piling work on this site for Bovis as main contractor.
The three-month piling contract at the Galleria is starting just as KCF’s Northern Area operation completes yet another piling job for Bovis Lendlease – at The Deep, Hull’s unique Millennium Project. Officially described as a world ocean discovery centre, The Deep will highlight marine life, boasting live displays of everything from sharks to shellfish. KCF was awarded the £346,000 contract to install 300 precast piles to support the distinctive tetrahedral-shaped complex, which will house various aquarium displays, including Europe’s deepest tank and viewing tunnel.
Among other northern Bovis Lendlease projects KCF has participated in recent years is The Trafford Centre, involving around 5,500 CFA piles and Trafford Five-a-Side Indoor sports complex. KCF area manager Darryl Smyth commented: “We have developed a close working relationship with Bovis Lendlease because we make every effort to deliver the high standards they require.”
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