Scheme registration helped Griffiths to be “good neighbours” on its Bath Quays Waterside project
Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Environment Agency appointed Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd to undertake a phased £6.22 million project to transform the riverside in Bath and improve flood defences.
The reconstruction is now reducing the risk of flooding for over 100 residential and commercial properties which surround the site off Green Park Road in Bath, Somerset. It is also reconnecting the city centre to its riverside with a new waterside park, and enabling the development of Bath Quays, a new office and creative quarter.
Outlining the work, Jim Aitken, Public Liaison Officer for Griffiths said:
“The flood risk mitigation works involved creating a flood defence boundary along the south bank of the river Avon, between Churchill Bridge and Midland Bridge and improving flood conveyance by widening the north river bank opposite Green Park Road. The re-profiled river bank is now a new public open space and, by reducing the steepness, helped to create a safer river environment.”
Helping achieve the “vision” for Bath Quayside
The 18-month flood works programme was the first step in a vision to redesign the quayside in Bath. On South Quays, there are new offices designed to suit the burgeoning creative and digital industries in Bath and crucially allow new companies to locate in Bath. On North Quays there will be new homes, new offices and new restaurants and shops alongside the beautiful urban parkland created.
Uncovering hidden gems
The project required Griffiths to undertake a wide variety of construction activities. These included diverting the existing highway for the excavation of some 10,000 cubic metres of river bank to create a flood compensation area.
During excavation works historic buildings were uncovered including an old pub. This resulted in a number of months of archaeological investigations during which a medieval bridge was also unearthed.
Enhancing the environment
Around 150 trees were planted as part of the overall scheme, many of which were planted as semi-mature to mature specimens. Native species found elsewhere along the river corridor in Bath were chosen including white willow, field maple, alder, sycamore, silver birch, tulip tree and lime.
Concurrently, on the opposite side of the River Avon, over 500m of flood walls were constructed and faced with bath stone and timber cladding. Finally, the contract required installation of flood defence windows to buildings located along the river’s edge.
Jim said:
“Throughout the project the team have worked hard to minimise the impact of removing the excavated material from a busy city centre location, as well as dealing with regular site flooding due to the varying levels of the River Avon.
“Safely delivering the construction flood walls on the river’s edge has required extensive temporary works and the whole team have embraced the Behavioural Safety Programme that all company employees attended. They have taken safety well beyond minimum requirements.”
You can find out how the Alun Griffiths project team addressed the challenges of the work, as well read a few of their many examples of best practice, by clicking on the sliders below:
- A major achievement for the project team was maintaining a good appearance at the centre of one of England’s most beautiful cities where there is little tolerance for untidiness.
- Initial first impression of the site was excellent with signage consistent and in appropriate locations. Enclosures and entrances were also visually appropriate to their surroundings.
- All facilities including stored materials, vehicles and plant were managed through an Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd specific system; it also has a programme to ensure that the workforce is suitably dressed both on and off site, with PPE and branding consistent with company values.
- Corporate values were published and highlighted corporate identity through its own posters, site rules and through the various modes of communications it employed to promote a positive industry image.
- The company had a range of QR code stickers printed for use on all of the major signboards and also developed its own Twitter and Facebook pages.
- In partnership with the client’s communications team, Griffiths ensured that everyone affected by the works was identified, contacted and regularly informed about 24/7 contact information, working hours, disruptive works etc., in a manner that was appropriate to the specific needs of all parties affected. This included drop-in sessions with local businesses.
- A wide range of goodwill and interactive activities were arranged as part of engaging with the local community (including the Exchanging Places activities with local cyclists).
- Operatives were encouraged to use the local shops and businesses as well as using local labour wherever possible – and all in a manner that portrayed a positive image of the site.
- A formal CSR policy of community engagement was established, highlighting visits by local schools which was managed under the “Sally Safe” Banner.
- Company-specific CCS Champions managed initiatives associated with the CCS Code of Considerate Conduct through the Safe Steps programme and promotion of the Scheme’s benefits.
- The company engaged with a range of national and local charities, as well as organisations as part of its overall policy.
- A Griffiths student and a Mott MacDonald student from their highways department engaged in a job swap as part of their individual training programmes.
- The site also hosted students from Bath College who were undertaking a Health and Safety module as part of their construction course.
- Appropriate investigations, methodologies and accreditations were developed (including ISO14001) for all important environmental and river issues in site operations.
- Fauna and flora was appropriately managed and monitored with specific operative training provided with respect to hazardous materials used when working next to the river.
- A range of targeted consumption saving schemes were in place for accommodation, energy/water, GTP’s, rainwater harvesting – all with appropriate monitoring leading to formal CO2 footprinting and reporting.
- Overall there will be a substantial improvement to the legacy environmental outcomes on this site via the enhanced planting and the floodplain expansion through this narrow section of river.
- A new poster was produced for both internal and external use, providing information on a range of sustainability issues and demonstrating the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable company.
- The landscaping programme included the planting of 150 trees.
- Pedestrian routes and crossing points were provided throughout the construction area and a gateman was at the vehicle gates to prevent unauthorised access.
- First aid equipment including a defibrillator was made available and first aiders were identified on site.
- “Safety Behaviour Discussions” were held when required and trends were monitored.
- A “Challenging Beliefs Affecting Behaviour” initiative focused on behavioural safety.
- The site operated to the CLOCS standard.
- A safety incentive scheme was in place, with a monthly certificate and a supermarket voucher presented for good safety behaviour.
- Mental health seminars and visits by a health nurse formed part of the on-site heath screening programme.
- The site facilities were made suitable for people with walking difficulties.
- Careers in the industry were encouraged with work placement opportunities, graduate training and the employment of apprentices by the supply chain.
- The site registered with Healthy Working Lives and a programme of health topics and presentations was rolled out.
- A presentation on Type 2 diabetes was given on site with a good response from the workforce.
- The new facilities include male and female showers.
- A community benefits programme included work placements and presentations to schools and colleges to promote careers in the industry.
