Remediation works completed at the 22-acre Waterfront East Park in Doncaster
One of Europe’s most prominent brownfield sites, located close to the city centre and the River Don, had been largely underutilised for many years, occupied by small car parks, industrial units, a scrapyard and a pumping station.
Environmental Remediation
Its historic industrial uses, combined with its proximity to the river, required thorough and carefully managed environmental remediation to make the land suitable for future development.
Pick Everard was appointed by the City of Doncaster Council to provide project management, cost management, quantity surveying, civil engineering, building and construction safety and environmental services. The firm worked alongside main contractor Keltbray, to remediate the site.
The project also included the removal of invasive plant species, notably a significant presence of Himalayan balsam along the drainage ditch running through the site. A specialist contractor was appointed to remove the plant and associated contaminated soils, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and preventing further spread.
Once remediation was complete, hydroseeding was undertaken to promote rapid vegetation establishment, with pre-soaked seed applied within a gel medium to accelerate germination.
Extensive Underground Obstructions
The works also addressed extensive underground obstructions, including historic concrete footings, former roadways, car parks and floor slabs. Removal of the concrete pad from a former gas holder revealed significant additional sub-surface concrete, all of which was processed on site. Crushed materials were reused or sold, supporting a circular approach that minimised disposal and maximised recovery.
“Given the site's former uses, it required us to bioremediate the land. This process involved mixing and aerating the soil to reinvigorate it and encourage naturally occurring microorganisms to break down contaminants. On this site, it was predominantly hydrocarbon contamination that we treated in this way.
There were also areas of heavy metal contamination, which were remediated using a clean cover system. This involved importing around 1,044 loads of topsoil and 64 loads of subsoil. By combining these approaches, we were able to maximise the amount of material treated on site, significantly reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable remediation strategy”.
Emelye Kenyon, Director of Environmental Services, Pick Everard
"The Waterfront area was one of the largest brownfield sites in the North, with significant potential for development. It is now a prime site for development, with incredible potential and within walking distance of the city centre, and local, regional and national transport links.
This project needed careful work to make sure that it becomes land that could be used for future development, and we are incredible grateful to the work of all our partners who came together to manage and help remediate and clean up this piece of land. Residents have already begun using this green space and it is a delight to see it brought back to life".
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster
