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The result of this project has been the transformation of previously derelict land into a high profile site, described as Scotland’s premier business location. It is now a major distribution, manufacturing, warehousing and office development, with occupiers including Chungwha Picture Tubes, P & O Trans European and Securicor Omega Express.
Before further site development could be initiated, I & H Brown Ltd were required to ensure the stabilization of former on-site mineworkings, including coal recovery and capping of disused mineshafts associated with the former workings. This required excavation of the shaft down to rockhead and the placement of a large, reinforced concrete slab over the shaft head, backfilling with structural fill. Further preparation of the 1800-acre site included the demolition of existing farm buildings and large-scale earthworks, totaling approximately 1,500,000m3. The majority of the earthworks involved significant cutting and filling operations, with the size of the site meaning that bulk materials were sometimes required to be moved over considerable on site distances (up to 2km.)
One of the reasons for the sites high profile is the excellent transport links that it enjoys, including a Channel Tunnel Rail Freight terminal on site and direct links to the national motorway network via both the A8 and M8. The construction of a major on-site haul road network and the further installation of a permanent road network, therefore included links to the adjacent motorway junctions. Further infrastructure works included the construction of considerable distances of foot and cycle paths, and car parking provision, with associated street lighting.
The contract further included the installation of all major service and utility systems (water, electricity, telecommunications and gas) in addition to the provision of all required on-site foul and surface water drainage systems. The company also constructed large support platforms as required by sub-contractors for vibro-piling operations. Landscaping works included planting of trees, shrub and grass seeding.
Sub-contracted works included some of the site drainage provision, piling, landscaping and road surfacing. Over the duration of the project this totaled some £3,000,000 of sub-contracted work.
The project was completed on time and to an extended budget, agreed in consultation with the client.
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