Blakewater Lodge, Blackburn

Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
Client: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Principal Contractor: Forshaw Demolition Ltd
Value: £95,000
Timescale: September 2018 to November 2018
Scope: The soft-strip and demolition of a former Elderly Persons’ Home.

Project Background

The project involved the soft-strip and demolition of a former EPH inn Blackburn. The building was located on a slope so it was partially single storey and partially two storey. The site was opposite a Primary School and surrounded on other sides by residential properties and shops.

Demolition Methodology

A team of soft-strippers set to work to empty the building of its fixtures and fittings to prepare it for demolition. Once compete, two demolition excavators fitted with a range of hydraulic attachments mechanically demolished the buildings systematically from the single storey section, working towards the two storey section. Extreme care was required when working near the middle of the building as there were potential voids between the building and the slope that were unknown. Trial holes were dug to ascertain the stability of the ground before proceeding. The building also contained an integral sub-station that was required to remain after the demolition and was to stay live throughout the project. This was protected during the demolition process and a new weatherproof roof was fitted upon completion.

The demolition arisings were crushed on site to 6F2 standard and used to level and backfill the voids on site.

PROJECT TESTIMONIALS