Bridgend County Borough Council appointed HCD Ltd to deliver the highly complex demolition and site clearance of Brackla One Multi-Storey Car Park in Bridgend, a five-storey lift-slab concrete structure that had been closed due to severe structural deterioration. Situated between Aldi, Asda and a live Network Rail corridor, the project required a carefully engineered approach to safely dismantle the building while protecting neighbouring businesses, infrastructure and members of the public.
The structure’s original lift-slab construction presented significant technical challenges. Unlike conventional buildings, each floor slab had been cast at ground level before being hydraulically lifted into position and secured around the reinforced concrete columns. This method created an interconnected structural system where any incorrect sequence of demolition could compromise the stability of the remaining structure and potentially lead to uncontrolled collapse.
Recognising these risks, HCD developed a bespoke demolition methodology following an extensive six-month pre-construction planning phase undertaken in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council and Network Rail. Drawing on lessons learned from historic lift-slab structural failures, the project team adopted a fully engineering-led deconstruction strategy that dictated the precise sequence of dismantling operations.
To ensure structural stability throughout the works, more than 400 temporary steel props were installed to support floor slabs around each column connection. Additional steel restraint systems were introduced to tie the columns together and prevent movement during the progressive dismantling process. This approach allowed the structure to be carefully deconstructed in a controlled manner while maintaining the integrity of the remaining building at every stage.
Given the site’s sensitive location, extensive environmental and logistical controls were implemented throughout the project. Dust suppression systems, real-time air quality monitoring and noise management measures helped minimise the impact on neighbouring businesses and the local community. Comprehensive traffic management arrangements ensured safe access to surrounding retail premises, while regular liaison with Network Rail protected rail operations throughout the programme.
Close communication with stakeholders was fundamental to the project’s success. We maintained regular engagement with neighbouring occupiers, including Aldi, Asda and an adjacent Willmott Dixon construction site, ensuring that all parties remained informed and that disruption was kept to an absolute minimum.
The successful completion of Brackla One represents one of the most technically demanding demolition projects undertaken by HCD Ltd. The project was delivered safely, efficiently and without incident, transforming a structurally unsafe building into a cleared development opportunity while safeguarding the surrounding infrastructure and community.
In recognition of our technical excellence and innovative approach, the project was shortlisted for a World Demolition Award, highlighting our expertise in delivering complex, high-risk demolition schemes in challenging urban environments.
