HCD Ltd delivered the demolition, decontamination and site preparation works at the former Butler, Tanner & Dennis Printworks in Frome, Somerset. Spanning approximately nine acres, the historic printworks was a significant landmark within the town and played an important role in British publishing history.
Established in 1935, the facility became renowned for printing the first Penguin paperbacks and works by celebrated authors including Ian Fleming, Agatha Christie and Ernest Hemingway. The project formed the first phase of a major regeneration scheme, clearing the former industrial site to enable a new residential-led development featuring new homes alongside retail and recreational facilities.
The former printworks presented a number of technical, environmental and logistical challenges. Decades of industrial use had left extensive asbestos-containing materials throughout the site, requiring a carefully managed removal programme before demolition could commence. The site also contained a large above-ground water storage tank situated in close proximity to both a Network Rail boundary and overhead high-voltage power lines, demanding detailed planning and strict safety controls during dismantling operations. In addition, substantial below-ground structures, including deep foundations and basement areas, required removal to create a development-ready platform for future construction.
We delivered a comprehensive enabling works package, including:
- Removal of approximately 250 tonnes of asbestos cement sheeting
- Removal of significant quantities of HSE-licensed asbestos-containing materials
- Decontamination and clearance of hazardous materials across the site
- Demolition of all existing industrial buildings and structures
- Safe dismantling and removal of a large above-ground water storage tank
- Excavation and removal of basement structures
- Removal of foundations extending to depths of approximately 6 metres
- Crushing and processing of demolition arisings on site into 6F2 reusable material
- Groundworks and site preparation for redevelopment
Working within a constrained industrial environment, we adopted a carefully phased demolition strategy to ensure works were completed safely and efficiently. The asbestos removal programme was undertaken ahead of structural demolition, with both licensed and non-licensed materials removed in accordance with all legislative requirements. Particular attention was given to managing the significant volume of asbestos cement sheeting present throughout the former manufacturing complex.
One of the project’s most challenging elements was the removal of the elevated water storage tank located adjacent to operational railway infrastructure and overhead power lines. Detailed lift planning, exclusion zones and strict safety procedures ensured the structure was dismantled without risk to neighbouring assets or ongoing operations. Following demolition, we excavated extensive basement areas and deep reinforced foundations. To maximise sustainability and support the redevelopment, demolition materials were crushed and processed on site to produce reusable 6F2 aggregate, reducing waste exports and creating valuable material for future construction activities.
