Debenhams Store, Southampton

The project consisted of the demolition of the former Debenhams department store in the city centre of Southampton.  The existing building consisted of a 3-storey department store with basement and single storey service buildings to the rear. The structure was surrounded by other commercial properties and residential flats with city centre streets to all elevations.

The buildings had an initial soft-strip to prepare them for asbestos removal which followed on systematically around the building.  During this period a section to the rear of the site was cleared to create space for the extensive welfare facilities and site compound.  Upon completion of the asbestos removal and soft strip, the remainder of the single storey section of the building was demolished.

The main section of the building was demolished using our CAT High Reach Demolition Excavator.  Hardcore material from the demolished sections of the building was used to backfill the basement to create a solid base for our high reach excavator to stand. The bays in the central section of the building were initially reduced, leaving a “horse-shoe shaped” structure in place, which was then systematically demolished from one side to the other.

During the demolition phase, various road and pavement closures were implemented with appropriate diversion routes installed.  These closures were in place in line with the demolition phases and were removed to re-open the highway as soon as possible to keep inconvenience to a minimum.

Once demolition had been completed, all site won demolition hardcore was crushed on site to 6F2 standard product and left in stockpiles for use in the redevelopment of the site.