Considerate rejuvenation of a derelict waterway in Kent – Interserve Infrastructure
Carried out on behalf of client Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in partnership with the Environment Agency, Interserve’s Town Lock Refurbishment project achieved excellent scores all round from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
The Town Lock Refurbishment project is being delivered to regenerate partly derelict land beside Town Lock on the River Medway, adjacent to Wharf Road in Tonbridge, Kent.
Densely surrounded by businesses and residential properties, this project provides high quality open space with a new flood wall, seating, lighting, landscape planting and toiletry facilities for boaters using the River Medway.
Interserve is also building a new low-level building for telemetry instruments for the Environment Agency; these devices transmit data on rainfall, water levels and water flow data reliably, quickly and cost effectively from remote locations.
Outlining how the project addressed Scheme requirements, Site Manager Margaret Zakrzewska said:
“The main consideration was how to establish and maintain good neighbourly relationships and ensure the works did not impact on the community road network. A pre-construction meeting was held with the local residents’ association and councillors to outline the project and the works programme, as well as traffic management and the construction methods deployed to lessen the local impact.
Wholeheartedly embracing the community spirit, the entire site team was engaged in local fundraising activities for various charities including Veterans in Action and the MS Society.
A delighted Operation Christmas Child Warehouse Manager, Madeline McClintock invited the entire team to meet the Member of Parliament for Tonbridge, Mr Tom Tugendhat, and Boureima Diallo, an outreach worker from Burkina Faso in Africa for an official handover of the shoeboxes.
One of the challenges of the project was its location within a densely populated area towards the end of a cul-de-sac, with little or no storage or car parking space.
Margaret said:
“The construction works had to consider minimising disruption to the area. Therefore construction works had to be considered and phased, taking into account the narrow footprint of the site. Several highway authority constraints were imposed before works commenced. The Medway Wharf road could only be partially closed and delivery vehicles had to avoid the town centre.
“The solution was to design and implement temporary traffic management arrangements with the backing of the police and local authorities. These arrangements were coordinated with other construction works in Tonbridge.”
You can read how the project team overcame these hurdles and discover the many other examples of best practice implemented by clicking on the sliders below:
- The overall appearance of the site was excellent and close attention was made to maintaining the open mesh fencing, covered with debris netting to prevent dust and wind-born waste getting onto the road and affecting adjacent properties.
- Temporary bridges, decking with potted plants and a re-claimed old bench were installed in front of the site offices and made visible to the general public. This offered a great display, relaxing environment and good impression of a well organised and managed site.
- There was also additional planting alongside the adjacent public footpath to improve the overall appearance.
- Company values were clearly displayed on notice boards, and posters and corporate branding was included on signage, the community board, and cabins.
- Materials leaving the site were phased to suit off-peak hours. Temporary traffic management was implemented including temporary phased traffic lights to ensure traffic flow adjacent to the works. Clearly signed diversion routes avoided delivery vehicles travelling through the town.
- Local SMEs were employed for certain work packages, providing an economic boost to the local community.
- An external notice/information board was installed adjacent to a local footpath. This provided the public with latest news and information regarding the project.
- Visitors were encouraged to visit the site – this included a successful visit by 33 university students and staff from the Environment Agency.
- No parking was allowed on site and there was a one-way traffic system in operation. The main contractor hired parking spaces in an empty adjacent office block and the site also used local offices for progress meetings.
- Materials were delivered on a need-to-use basis and orders included the approved route with maps to limit impact.
- This particular area of Tonbridge was known for its anti-social behaviour and to ensure that no issues arose from site works, the site was secured by fencing and a security guard deployed out of working hours.
- The workforce was briefed on how to approach all members of the public and how to maintain a friendly and helpful approach.
- The site team and workforce collected shoeboxes for donation to overseas charity, ‘Operation Christmas Child’.
- Two hardwood benches were sponsored and dedicated as a legacy of the project.
- The site team was always on the lookout for recycling opportunities and in addition to using excavated material, stone from redundant gabion baskets was used in the construction of the new river bank protection units.
- Surplus existing stone was donated to the Environment Agency for other flood defence works in the area.
- Timber was reclaimed from an old landing stage and access steps were refurbished and used to construct the new landing platform.
- The site team signed up to the Environment Agency’s flood warning system to obtain news of any impending flood events. This proved very useful as temporary flood defences had to be installed on various occasions as part of a temporary flood defence strategy. The stability of the temporary flood defences was regularly inspected and their position changed several times during the project, depending on site activities.
- Due to the close proximity of the River Medway, the site was set up in accordance with SEPA and EA guidance documents, also ensuring that the construction works would not impact on the river quality. Daily pH monitoring of the river water was implemented.
- An environmental survey was undertaken before works commenced and this identified the presence of knotweed and existing ground contaminated with hydrocarbons. A knotweed management plan was prepared and implemented; part of the plan required a specialist contractor to be deployed to remove the knotweed and to install a root barrier in the infected area.
- Diesel was stored in a double bunded tank and supplemented with an additional lined bund.
- Noise monitoring stations around the project were regularly checked.
- Cabins including welfare were all environmentally friendly with PIR and water and energy saving equipment fitted.
- Monitoring stations were established to gauge vertical and horizontal movement and ensure the structural integrity of the 100-year-old lock. The site’s in-house temporary works department checked and pre-approved all construction plant.
- The existing flood defence level had to be maintained throughout the works, to facilitate a sufficient working area and access. A temporary flood defence wall was constructed using excavated material.
- In addition, builders’ bags filled with excavated material and lined with a polythene membrane were tied in with the existing flood wall. Several flood warnings were raised during the works and the flood defences were always deployed in a timely manner, protecting not only the site but local residents.
- Modifying existing gabion baskets required using modular floating pontoons. The workforce was specifically trained in the use of the pontoons and rescue procedures whilst working in the vicinity and on the river. Temporary fencing was also erected to provide a physical barrier between the site and the river.
- Reporting cards were available to log near misses and this feedback was used in briefing sessions to promote a safe working culture and devise safety improvements.
- Monthly monitoring of safety incentives included suggestions being acknowledged at the regular project meetings.
- Safe zones with site info, emergency procedures and provision of safety kits and rescue equipment were provided across the site.
- The team proudly displayed two consecutive quarterly HS&E (Health, Safety and Environment) Awards received, with copies in the canteen and operatives praised and thanked for their contribution.
- Direct operatives attended medical checks, with timescales for checks based on activities.
- Any identified issues were logged and addressed on a ‘You said – we did’ board, with information and responses clearly evident.
- In the winter, warm hats and gloves were provided.
- Daily fruit was provided in the canteen as part of the ‘1 of 5 a day’ campaign.
- PPE was provided including face-fit tests for both direct labour and subcontractors.
- ‘Inspire behavioural culture change’ coaches visited the site regularly to support the site management and workforce.
- Welfare facilities included male and female toilets, mess/drying room, lockers, shower room and a praying/quiet room.
- Employment opportunities were provided via summer placements and apprenticeships.
