HCD Ltd was appointed by Taylor Wimpey to undertake the phased demolition and remediation of the former Crown Packaging Works in Worcester, preparing the 15-acre brownfield site for the construction of 226 new homes.
The site had operated as a metal food packaging factory since 1931 before closing in 2013. It comprised a complex mix of industrial buildings constructed over several decades, including large-scale manufacturing facilities, warehouses and office accommodation dating from the 1930s through to the 1990s.
The project required the safe demolition of numerous structures of varying heights and construction types, alongside extensive environmental remediation to address contamination arising from the site’s long industrial history.
The former factory presented a number of technical and environmental challenges. The site was surrounded by sensitive neighbouring assets, including a live railway line to the west, residential properties to the south, a Lotus manufacturing facility and a gas holder installation to the north. Careful planning and sequencing were therefore essential to ensure safety and minimise disruption.
One of the most significant challenges involved the contamination located beneath the existing floor slabs. We implemented a targeted excavation strategy combining mechanical screening and processing techniques with specialist hand-picking operations to ensure contaminated material was effectively separated and removed for licensed disposal.
Given the site’s location adjacent to operational infrastructure and residential areas, demolition activities were carefully phased to manage risk, maintain safety and control environmental impacts. Enhanced dust suppression measures were implemented throughout the works, while close collaboration with stakeholders, including Network Rail, ensured uninterrupted rail operations and full compliance with safety requirements.
Through proactive planning, rigorous environmental controls and strong stakeholder engagement, we successfully navigated the complexities of the project while maintaining programme commitments.
