Case Studies

Dogs Trust - Cardiff

Client: McPhillips Wellington Ltd
Value: £950K

The £13.5m scheme was designed to redefine levels of animal welfare with the intention to create a secluded, tranquil, organic oasis for up to 210 dogs.


This centre is spread over eight acres, with comprehensive veterinary facilities, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy rooms to rehabilitate and  prepare dogs to be re-homed.


AWilliams completed all ground works, drainage, substructure and infrastructure works


Scheme involved several different elements: 

  • Site clearance,
  • Cut & Fill,
  • Reinforced concrete slabs,
  • Storm and foul drainage,
  • Attenuation storage tanks,
  • All utilities,
  • Extensive block paving and kerbing,
  • Landscaping,

 

Bath University - School of Management

Client: Andrew Scott Ltd
Value: £1.4M

AWilliams were contracted to undertake the ground works on the Enabling Works for the new School of Management block at Bath University.

Due to planning limitations deep excavation and drainage were required and formation of the new build was taken 11m into Bath rock below existing ground level.

All arisings were removed from site by road and due to careful planning and execution all works were completed on schedule with minimal disruption.

Works included:
  • Deep excavation (11m deep),
  • Deep drainage (7m deep)
  • Disposal of 80,000 ton of excavated material by road,
  • Preparation for concrete formation,

Marloes Sands - Car Park Improvement

Client: National Trust/Pembrokeshire County Council
Value: £100K
The scheme required updating the existing National Trust car park at Marloes sands from hardcore parking area, to a SUDS drainage, cell pave parking facilities.

The surrounding area was highlighted as being an area of ecological importance which was reflected in the methodology of the work.

AWilliams were given a strict key date to achieve completion by the client, and we were able to complete works a several weeks ahead of schedule.

 

Terrace Road, Aberystwyth

Client: Cyngor Sir Ceredigion,
Value: £120K

AWilliams Contract Services were awarded the contract as the Principal Contractor to undertake improvement works at Terrace Road in the centre of Aberystwyth. 

The existing block paved highway surface provided maintenance issues for the local authority who requested that all 1,200m2 of block setts to be lifted and replaced with Asphalt Concrete surface.

Works included:
  • Lifting existing block paving’s and transport to clients depot,
  • Installing new drainage system,
  • Construct 3No speed ramps,
  • Construct 3No table top pedestrian crossings,
  • Construct 2No table top vehicle junctions,
  • Kerb installation,
  • Resurface  highway, 
  • High friction surfacing, 
  • Road markings,
Due to the location of the site, being in a very pedestrian heavy area, site security and unauthorised access prevention was of high importance by erecting a 800m long pedestrian barrier fence on the perimeter of the site, we ensured the safety of all in the area.

Wales National Swimming Pool 

Client: Swansea University
Value: £100K
AWilliams Contract Services Ltd were contracted to stabilise the existing embankment, which was deteriorating and falling onto a busy footpath used by students and users of the pool and athletics track.

Due to its condition, the existing embankment construction was excavated and removed from site and replaced with compacted granular fill. 

Astro turf membrane was utilised to retain the embankments integrity and stabilise the embankment.

Due to the popularity of the facilities on site, public safety was imperative to the success of the scheme, and by working closely with the maintenance and client team all works were completed to the highest standard ahead of schedule.

Yr Hen Ysgol, Aberystwyth - Demolition

Client: John Weaver 
Value: £80K

AWilliams Contract Services were contracted to demolish 2No structures located in between listed buildings in the centre of Aberystwyth.

The works included:
  • Internal soft strip works, 
  • Divorcing structure from listed buildings, 
  • Mechanical demolition, 
  • Crushing arising’s on site  

Due to the sensitive nature of this structure, having two listed buildings either side and an active taxi rank on the other side a thorough and detailed methodology was required to complete the specified work. 

A scaffold structure and hoarding fencing was erected on the perimeter between the structure and the taxi rank to ensure that no materials would fall from the structure and into the taxi rank. Large voids were also discovered beneath the main structure, which restricted the movement of plant into the building, also requiring the methodology to be adjusted. 

Dyffryn Road, Ammanford Phase 1&2

Client: Carmarthenshire County Council
Value: £120K
AWilliams were contracted to completed the final link of the Capel Hendre to Ammanford foot-link, providing a safe walk route for pedestrians as part of the Safe Routes scheme.

Phase one consisted of installation of a steel footbridge adjacent to the highway bridge. This phase required site clearance, earth moving, footpath construction, concrete works, fencing and landscaping.

Second phase required the construction of a retaining wall to retain the earth from a private property to facilitate the installation on the new footpath. 

The Wave - Bristol

Client: Andrew Scott
Value: £660k

The Wave in Bristol is the first in land surf lagoon in the UK, and the first one in the world to use the advanced technology onsite.

Construction of a 200m inland Surf Lake using ground-breaking Wavegarden cove
technology. 

This facility will generate up to 1,000 quality waves per hours, ranging from 50cm (1.7ft) to almost 2m (6.5ft) in height.

AWilliams were contracted to undertake:
  • Bulk excavation of cove,
  • Excavation and preparation of footings for wing walls,
  • Shaping and preparation of cove bed,
  • Excavation and backfilling of 1km mains water supply pipe line to fill the cove,
  • Landscaping and earth moving,

A484 Tirgwili - Highway support

Client: Carmarthenshire County Council
Value: £100K

The A484 is key roads in South West Wales, as one of the main roads from Ceredigion to Carmarthenshire an on to the M4 corridor. Sections of the road between Carmarthen and Cynwyl Elfed had begun to fail due to the increase in traffic volume. 

AWilliams Contract Services were contracted to undertake construction of 2No concrete ground beams to retain the highway behind and provide safety barrier system along the edge of the carriageway. Due to the existing condition of the highway, full construction and resurfacing of one lane was required. 

Due to the access constraints along the works area (being located along a steep embankment above the Gwili river), temporary works areas and fall prevention fencing was erected prior to the works commencing, to maintain the safety of all members of staff. 
Key Aspects:
  • Construct 2No concrete ground beams,
  • Highway Construction 
  • Storm Drainage 
  • Installation of highway standard safety barrier 
  • Kerbing 
  • Resurfacing works,

Bettws Primary School

Client: Andrew Scott Ltd
Value: £990K

AWilliams were contracted in September 2016 to undertake all aspects of groundworks and demolition works to construct two new primary schools in the village of Bettws, Bridgend.

The duration of the project was 24 months, and we were required to work to a strict programme, and key dates to facilitate the works of others involved in the project.

The scheme was located next to the existing Primary School. When one school was completed, pupils were moved to the new structure to allow AWilliams to undertake the asbestos removal and demolition of the existing school

Works consisted of:
  • Site clearance and preparation,
  • Footings and slab works,
  • Gabion basket retaining walls construction,
  • Foul drainage installation,
  • Connection into existing foul system,
  • Storm drainage installation,
  • Connection into existing storm system,
  • Section 278 works,  
  • Utility supply installation, 
  • Road construction,
  • Footpath construction,
  • Demolition of existing buildings,

A484 Flatwood - Cenarth

Client: Carmarthenshire County Council
Value: £120K

The A484 between Newcastle Emlyn and Cenarth is an important route for the area, providing access for residence, Heavy Goods Vehicles and emergency services from North Pembrokeshire and South Ceredigion to the East and North Wales. 

The existing highway was subsiding and giving way in several areas, due to the condition of the formation and water ingress under the road. AWilliams were awarded the contract via tender, to remove the existing highway construction and instal new storm drainage system,  and reconstruct the highway to a higher specification. 

Due to the high flow of traffic using the route and the depth of the excavation, AWilliams designed a temporary road widening to divert traffic flow away from the edge of excavation without impacting on the flow of public movement. Traffic Management was integral to the success of this scheme, and through detailed planning and onsite management all works were completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule and within budget.
Works included: 
  • Installation of temporary highway widening,  
  • Excavate and removal of existing highway,
  • Lowering and translocation of existing BT Fibre services,
  • New kerbing system,
  • Full highway construction,
  • Surfacing, 
  • Road markings


Olchfa to Clyne ATF


Client: Swansea City Council

Value: £480K


The existing bridleway from Olchfa round about on Gower road through the Clyne Valley to Swansea Bay seafront had become over grown and unsuitable for wheel chair users and pedestrian use.

 

AWilliams were awarded the scheme through the South West Wales Civil Engineering Framework. The project objective was to improve the bridle way to a 3m wide shared use footway, allowing all users the experience of walking through this naturally beautiful area of Swansea. This also provided links between 4 existing cycle paths in the area. The route also provides safe route for pupils of Olchfa Secondary School to travel to school.

 

Due to the location of this scheme, being located in an area of natural beauty, AWilliams worked closely with Swansea Council and an ecologist contractor to establish and maintain a strict methodology to mitigate our impact on the surrounding environment and the wild life.

 

To maintain the bridle ways functionality and allow horses to utilize the route, a bespoke tarmac surface with 6mm down granular materials was rolled into the top surface to provide friction for horseshoes.


Key Aspects:

  •         Improvement to round about on Gower Road
  •         Vegetation Clearance
  •         Construction of 3m wide footway
  •         Drainage works
  •         Bespoke tarmac layer
  •         Reinstatement,
  •         Retaining structures 


Faraday Car Park - Swansea Uni

Client: Swansea University

Value: £200K


AWilliams were awarded the Faraday Car Park improvement project by Swansea University.

The existing car park surface was failing and prone to flooding. AWilliams would remove the existing tarmac road and carpark surface, excavate and reconstruct failed areas, survey and improve drainage system, improve pedestrian access through the car park and replace failing trough covers for services.

Located in the centre of Swansea University, site security and pedestrian movements was integral to the success of the contract. Through in depth planning and management, the project was completed without impacting the movement of staff and students or the progression of the works.

Works included:

  • Milling of existing surfaces,
  • Excavation and full construction of localised areas,
  • Storm and foul drainage improvements,
  • Kerbing and paving,
  • Cable trough cover installation,
  • Resurfacing and road markings,

 

5 Mile Lane - Sutton Fach, Vehicle Turning Area

Client: Vale of Glamorgan Council

Value: £180K


AWilliams were appointed as Principal Contractor through tender to construct a new vehicle turning area at Sutton Fach Farm as part of the 5 Mile Lane Welsh Government fund.

After the construction of the new 5 Mile Lane, the old highway was made a dead end requiring delivery vehicles to Sutton Fach Farm to reverse a great distance to undertake the delivery.


Works included:

  • Site clearance,
  • Excavation,
  • Installation of drainage blanket and land drainage,
  • Filling to required levels and falls,
  • Construction of reinforced concrete slab,
  • Fencing,
  • Reinstatement,