Demolition contractor Keltbray has completed two major demolition projects to the west of Euston station in London as part of the HS2 project.
The six-month demolition of the former Ibis hotel on Cardington Street was completed this week. The demolition of the five-storey, 380-room building, involved the removal of almost 9,000 tonnes of material with 95% set to be recycled or reused on site.
The clearance of the nearby disused National Temperance Hospital buildings was delivered in two stages, with the second half – the Insull wing – now also complete. More than 6,000 tonnes of material were removed during the project with 95% set to be recycled or reused.
A top-down demolition technique was used in both cases, with machines lifted onto the top of the buildings and protective screening around the outside to limit noise and dust.
The clearance of the buildings paves the way for six new 400m platforms and concourse at Euston for the high-speed line.
Two time capsules, discovered during the work, are being conserved by HS2’s archaeological sub-contractors and will be kept for future study and display in the community. The hospital – which closed in 1990 – was the first institution to end the routine use of alcohol in medicine.
Both projects were overseen by enabling works contractor CSjv, a Costain and Skanska joint venture, working with subcontractors Keltbray.
CSjv programme director, Peter Jones said: “Costain and Skanska’s HS2 teams are making significant progress across London and we are pleased to confirm the successful completion of these two key building demolitions. We currently have more than a thousand people on site in the Euston area, working on a further 25 projects, most of which will be completed this year”
HS2’s Euston programme director, Rob Carr said: “Across the capital we are making strong progress, with our pioneering archaeological programme in full swing and more than two thirds of demolitions now complete. I’d like to thank all those involved in helping us hit this latest milestone and I look forward to the next steps in delivering HS2’s new gateway to the capital.”
Comments are closed.