Western Infirmary, Glasgow Phase 2
It’s the end of an era for the Western Infirmary project in Glasgow. This has been one of our most complex projects to date and the demolition work is now complete. We have been carrying out works as part of the University of Glasgow Development over 2 phases since 2017 to November 2022.
Prior to demolition works, the project required complex asbestos removal within a variety of different building types, above and below ground.
Phase 1 required the careful separation from listed buildings to remain. Methods involved a crane with man basket together with extensive encapsulated scaffolding and deconstruction techniques in order to provide sufficient separation of the buildings prior to structural (high-reach & ultra-high-reach) demolition works. The landmark, multi-storey AA block was part of this initial phase.
There were a number of existing historic features which had to be salvaged and reused in the new development. This required the identification and careful removal of these items. Once removed, the items required to be catalogued, photographed, palletised and carefully removed from site and stored for future use.
The second phase included soft strip and internal down-takings, various methods of demolition, large scale cut and fill groundworks, temporary works including scaffolding, making good, shoring/propping, façade retention, block kentledge, removal and storage of feature stonework, crushing and recycling.
Phase 2 presented several new challenges. The majority of the buildings were located on the perimeter of the site which created a huge public interface and had to be carefully planned and managed. Another key challenge which is quite unique is that we were required to work within a live, extensive construction site environment. Smooth and targeted handovers of areas of the site were essential to allow for the new build zones within the University of Glasgow Campus. This involved managing interface between multiple contractors which was achieved by our key project management team who were responsible for managing logistics, coordination of the teams, the upkeep, adaptation and issuing of key documents such as daily task specific RAMS, updating H&S plans, traffic management/logistics plans, etc.
Due to the complexity and scale of the site, Dem-Master carried out a range of different demolition processes and methods to ensure the safe clearance of the buildings ahead of handover for the new build zones. The various methods included standard to ultra-high reach demolition, deconstruction using a combination of hand techniques and small plant, including a Brokk to facilitate remote controlled demolition. We were also required to carry out separation works from listed buildings (including the iconic Alexander Elder Memorial Chapel).
Working closely with our Client, Dem-Master exceeded our social value commitments which included local employment, work placements, apprenticeships, training, donations and volunteering.
