A local firm is playing a key role in one of Wolverhampton’s most iconic demolition projects, which is set to breathe new life into the Mander Shopping Centre.
C&D Consultancy, which is based in Penn, was initially brought in by Cawarden Limited to provide expertise on the form of demolition to take and has since been retained by principal contractor Bowmer Kirkland to support it with the technical elements of the contract.
It is a ‘home affair’ for boss John Woodward, who, along with Project Lead Les Hemmings, is managing a 4-strong team to ensure the successful demolition of the TJ Hughes building to make way for the new £35m Debenhams flagship store.
The C&D approach has been one of collaboration, ensuring all parties are working to a shared goal to ensure the extremely tight timescales are going to be met.
This has included overseeing technical elements of the demolition, arranging site meetings and completing regular safety audits to protect the people working on the contract and also the general public.
“We look after demolition projects all over the UK and Europe, but it is especially pleasing to be ‘clearing the past to create the future’ in our home city of Wolverhampton,” explained John Woodward, who formed C&D in 2003.
“It’s a fairly challenging contract in that the demolition involves a reinforced ‘pot’ floor, robotic demolition work and a structural propping scheme that avoids damaging the basement of the existing building.”
He continued: “The fact the shopping centre is still open for business means a lot of work has to be carried out at night, so we have had to be aware of noise levels and how this impacts on the local community.”
The Mander Centre project is the latest in a long line of contract wins for C&D Consultancy who is on course to secure a £1m turnover for the first time in its 13-year history.
Jobs already completed in the last twelve months include the Stanlow Refinery, Ferrybridge Power Station and a number of residential schemes in Glasgow.
It was also called in to tackle Seaforth in Liverpool after the initial explosives failed to bring down the two tower blocks.
John concluded: “Our reputation as a troubleshooter and technical expert has really driven our growth and we have had to open three offices in London, Merseyside and Scotland to cope with demand for our services.
“The training side of the business has enjoyed similar success, delivering essential courses in health and safety, working at height and dealing with asbestos to more than 4000 people.”