SDC Hunt Antelope in Southampton

• 
• 8th May 2008
• Recycling
 

Surrey-based demolition specialist contractor Southern Demolition Co. Ltd is playing a key role in a major regeneration programme in Southampton.

Southern Demolition Co. Ltd, the Surrey-based demolition contractor founded by National Federation of Demolition Contractors veteran Sidney Hunt Snr, is tackling a three-phase demolition contract that forms an integral part of a £25 million redevelopment scheme to replace a local Southampton eyesore with some much needed new retail and leisure space.

Covering an area of 2.0 hectares, Antelope Park at Bursledon Road in Southampton was once described by a local planning inspector as a "run-down site exuding a forbidding ambience". But in the hands of brownfield regeneration specialist Rokeby (Southern), the site will be turned into an impressive and modern 16,000 m² retail and leisure facility. Rokeby (Southern) charged Southern Demolition with the controlled dismantling of a nine-storey concrete and steel structure that was formerly the regional offices of builders merchant, Jewson. Jewson is scheduled to relocate to a new 2,000 m² building once the Antelope Park project is complete in 2010.

Southern Demolition reports that, as a brownfield regeneration project, the development was subject to a New Deal for Communities programme to improve health and education, enhance the living environment and reduce crime and unemployment. As part of this scheme, the site was subject to regular visits from both Environmental Health and Building Control. In addition, Southern Demolition also had to contend with working above and around live foul sewer and storm drains serving nearby houses.   The company was also required to keep open a local access road and to ensure the minimum possible disruption to local residents and businesses.

Southern Demolition Co. Ltd tackled the high rise demolition utilising a Hitachi EX670 hydraulic excavator equipped with a 35 metre high reach boom and dipper combination together with a range of front-end attachments. The 70 tonne machine was supported by a pair of 35 tonne class excavators and three 20 tonne class units. Also on site was a track-mounted mobile jaw crusher which was used to process around 10,000 m³ of material to Type 2 specification. In fact, of all the "waste" material produced as a result of the demolition works, less than three percent actually found its way to landfill.

Further information

Keith Prangnell,
Southern Demolition Co. Ltd.
Tel: 01932 351738