White chapel station.
Location White Chapel, London
Sector Demolition
Value £500K
The Whitechapel Station Redevelopment, London project was part of the Crossrail development at Whitechapel Station, involving the demolition of existing structures to facilitate the construction of the new concourse and station entrance. The project presented significant challenges due to the proximity to live railway lines and the need to minimise disruption to train services.
Gobion Construction, as a subcontractor to Loftus Group, played a crucial role in the project by executing a range of complex demolition and civil engineering works, including the dismantling of wall structures, stairs, and the installation of new drainage systems.
-
Phased over 15 weeks, this involved the controlled demolition of two separate wall structures, including one overhanging the District line. This required the design and implementation of specialised temporary works, including full encapsulation, to ensure the safety of both construction personnel and train passengers during demolition activities. Works were carried out in both traffic and engineering hours to minimise disruption to rail services.
-
Executed within a 52-hour possession, this involved the demolition of a concrete stairs structure. The walls and door beneath the stairs were demolished first, followed by the controlled demolition of the stairs itself. Holes were drilled into the stairs for lifting points, and the stairs were cut at the top and bottom to facilitate lifting through a narrow opening. Temporary works were designed and installed to support the stairs during cutting and lifting operations. The remaining foundation was then demolished, completing the works within the allocated possession window.
-
Phased over 40 weeks, this involved the installation of two separate drainage systems around emergency access shafts. This included the design and implementation of temporary works for excavation, the installation of an attenuation system with Hydrobrake, and the connection to the Thames Water system. Road and lane closures were implemented as required, with full reinstatement upon completion.
-
Other Works included road and lane closures, connections to the Thames Water system, and reinstatement of all disturbed areas.
Project Challenges
Working within a live rail environment, the project required meticulous planning and execution to ensure the safety of both construction personnel and train passengers, while minimising disruption to train services.
Confined working spaces, the project involved working within tight constraints, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of existing structures.
Maintaining strict deadlines, the project had a demanding schedule, requiring efficient planning and execution to meet the overall project timeline and minimise disruption to train operations.
Technical Expertise
Gobion Construction demonstrated its technical expertise in executing a range of challenging civil engineering works, including:
Controlled demolition of complex structures within a live rail environment.
Innovative design and implementation of temporary works to support safe and efficient construction operations.
Skilled installation of drainage systems within a confined space, including the integration of an attenuation system.
Effective coordination with London Underground and other stakeholders to minimise disruption to rail services.
Project Management, Gobion effectively managed all aspects of the project, including planning, scheduling, procurement, and site supervision, while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and approvals.
Safety and Compliance, Gobion prioritised safety throughout the project, adhering to all relevant safety regulations and implementing stringent safety protocols.
