Progress and Updates

The tower crane was installed on site over the weekend of the 26th and 27th October, following successful completion of the first section of logistics slab on which it sits. The tower crane replaced the crawler crane which previous sat on the area of the south basement, making way for McGee to commence the bulk excavation of the basement.

McGee Groundworks our excavators are lowering and clearing the ground in preparation for our bulk dig. We are removing the platform that the crawler crane sat on, once this has been removed, the next stage of excavation will begin.

Forming of the final section of logistics slab, this photo shows the 17t of reinforcement that made up one third of the temporary ground floor slab. Once complete, this area will be used to sit the 5-storey office cabins that will used until the end of the project.

The retained facades are being supported through the construction process.

We are targeting the recovery of more than 50,000 bricks from the demolition activities. These bricks will be cleaned and stored for reuse in the new construction works. Reuse of existing materials is a key component in the circular economy and helps to reduce the embodied carbon of the development. We are also aiming to reuse doors, windows and certain finishes within the new buildings and have already repurposed timber flooring, kitchen cabinets and other items in neighbouring buildings.

Portland Stone facades on two buildings (Brookfield House and 56 Davies Street) are being carefully deconstructed. Each stone has been cleaned, recorded, labelled, and transported off-site for storage. These facades will be reconstructed in a very similar configuration that will enable floors levels consistent with the retained facades.

Works have commenced to protect and support the listed façade of 1-8 Davies Mews which will be retained. A complicated Pynford beam is being constructed beneath the brick façade to facilitate the basement construction beneath.

The heart of the scheme will be Davies Mews. A shared basement spans both the North & South buildings, once this is constructed the mews will be reinstated and new paving and planting installed providing a pedestrianised space for all to enjoy.

Great care has been taken in the disassembly of the existing buildings to mitigate impacts of construction on our neighbours.

Main contract signed with Skanska to progress main works on the North and South site. n addition to main construction, Skanska will deliver CAT A mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, including the site wide data network, security and smart building solution, with all phases of South Molton on track to complete in July 2027.