Their Challenge
Lovell Homes is delivering a £28m residential development at Benwell Dene, transforming a long-vacant 2.75ha brownfield site into 146 high-quality, energy-efficient rental homes for its clients Placefirst. With sustainability targets including air source heat pumps and solar panels, and the requirement to achieve a minimum EPC B rating, the project demanded a highly efficient groundworks solution. Given the scale and complexity of the site, Lovell needed a delivery partner capable of working to tight schedules while maintaining safety, quality, and cost-efficiency.
Our Solution
Applebridge, supported by its family companies ZTL, Retaining UK, Utilities, and Tarcon, was appointed to undertake the full groundworks package. With full site access secured for 2½ months ahead of Christmas, the team implemented
mass concrete pours, significantly accelerating the foundation process. This approach enabled up to 15 footings to be completed within a three-day cycle, ensuring rapid progress without compromising quality. To efficiently manage cut-and-fill operations, seven different teams worked in coordination, including excavation specialists, joiners setting concrete steps, and crews pouring concrete via pump systems. Careful planning and communication were essential to ensuring all activities progressed safely and efficiently within the busy site. Sustainability was also a key consideration, with best-practice earthworks strategies implemented to minimise waste and maximise material re-use.
Scope of Works
- Site clearance, cut & fill, SUDS installation
- Attenuation tank & retaining wall installation
- Utility & telecoms diversions
- Roads, sewers & drainage installation
- Concrete foundation works & plotworks for 146 homes
The Results
Applebridge’s innovative approach to foundation works enabled
200m³ of concrete to be poured per day, delivering efficiency and cost-effectiveness while keeping the project on schedule. The team’s expertise and coordination have laid the foundation for the successful completion of this much-needed residential development.
