VolkerGround Engineering was contracted by John Sisk and Sons to work on the redevelopment of the former BBC studios on Oxford Road, Manchester.
The area will be redeveloped into a commercial and residential space as part of Select Property Group and Bruntwood’s Affinity Living scheme. The intention of the scheme is develop high quality built-to-rent apartments to suit Manchester’s growing population.
VolkerGround Engineering designed and installed temporary sheet piles for crane bases and retaining walls to enable the construction of two buildings comprising 667 apartments. The piling works were completed using an ABI TM 13/16 leader rig.
VolkerGround Engineering’s previous success working with the client’s same site team on Brancaster Road provided a benefit to the project. As a result of this strong existing relationship, the team was invited to develop the works from initial inception through to installation in collaboration with the client’s team.
Based on the teams previous experience of difficult ground conditions encountered whilst piling on an adjacent site, VolkerGround Engineering pre-augered the pile line to minimise delays to the programme. Removing these obstructions early in the build enabled the works to proceed smoothly and safely.
Works are continuing on the Affinity Living scheme, and the new residential space is due to be open by 2021.