Our Highways team have successfully transformed a brownfield site into a new commercial estate area in Kings Lynn for Norfolk County Council.
The team overcame many environmental and geotechnical challenges due to the poor underlying ground conditions in the area, including a number of contaminated areas, by implementing several innovative and sustainable solutions. The new road infrastructure will support the development of a new Nar Ouse Enterprise Zone, new commercial estate and building plots that will be built in the area. The works which began in April 2023 included highway works such as ground stabilisation, drainage, upgrading services, kerb laying, landscaping, fencing, surfacing, lighting and lining.
The site, which was once a waste sorting facility with local tipping dating back to Victorian times, posed significant environmental challenges. The presence of asbestos, phosphorus gypsum, and Japanese Knotweed required specialist interventions.
Hazardous materials were safely removed, and successfully controlled the spread of the invasive plant species. Phosphorus gypsum, known for containing heavy metals and high sulphate content, required precise testing of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation levels. In consultation with the Environment Agency, our expert team devised safe solutions either for the disposal of the material at licensed facilities or for implementing protective measures to safely proceed with the construction works.
Due to the poor soil conditions under the planned roads, the team had to think differently to stabilise the ground and implemented an environmentally friendly ground stabilisation method that would prevent future settlement. By adopting a process that eliminated the need for soil removal or importation, we minimised disruption to the local community while reducing costs and driving programme benefits. The innovative technique called “soil cement column stabilisation” involved mixing wet soil with cement to create over 2,000 strong columns within the ground, providing enhanced strength and stiffness to withstand repeated vehicular loads.
The Kings Lynn project stands as testament to our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient solutions. Through this project, we not only addressed environmental and technical challenges but also provided carbon and cost savings for our client.
A huge thank you to the entire team for their hard work and dedication in delivering this critical new infrastructure which will boost the economy of the Kings Lynn area.
Social value and sustainability delivered
- 17,000 tonnes waste diverted from landfill.
- 16.5 hours completed volunteering with Kings Lynn Foodbank
- Helped with drainage clearance at a local Primary School, St Martin’s, Shouldham and donated £1,595.00 towards the project.
- Created owl tubes from redundant pipe cut offs from the project and placed in The Stow Bardolph Estate, for the local community to enjoy.
- Three local people employed who worked within the project.
- One apprentice worked who on site is now undertaking a Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship Course with The Anglia Ruskin University.
- £1.31m achieved from spend with small medium enterprises.
- £1.80m achieved from local spend.
Final Thrive report
