The works consisted primarily of the removal of the substantial concrete superstructure, and construction of a new perimeter barrier and roof, and storage room. We constructed a false floor covered with fine mesh under the existing horizontal structure, and commenced the demolition phase. The large precast ‘T’ roof sections were propped at specific points to enable cutting into smaller sections as the crane had to reach across the width of the structure, access to the opposite side being too difficult to achieve. The perimeter barrier of steel frames with timber infills and coloursteel roof were then constructed, along with the storage facility at one end of the structure. We reviewed the Consulting Engineers design, and offered ‘value engineering’ to make for a more efficient and economical build. Our ideas were adopted, along with our own design for the storage facility.

Alexander Construction Central Ltd were contacted directly by the PNCC to put an offer to strengthen and upgrade this facility. No other contractors were interested – perhaps due to the difficult nature of the project. Keeping the facility operating was ‘not negotiable’ so mitigation of anything, including people, falling into the open chambers of raw sewerage was of paramount importance. Health and Safety was a big part of this project.