HWM Group completes Port of Southampton project, achieving 98% recycling rate

(PHOTO: HWM Group)

The project, commissioned by ABP Port of Southampton, prepared the site for future development in line with Southampton City Council’s long-term vision for the waterfront, as outlined in the Mayflower Quarter masterplan.

The site’s main structure, originally built for Pirelli Cables and later repurposed as a cinema and leisure complex, was primarily steel-framed with partitioned masonry walls, mezzanine levels, and concrete slabs.

Demolition was carried out in a phased approach, with work beginning on the southern portside and moving towards West Quay Road. The attached Grosvenor Casino and its parking area were retained during the process.

HWM Group’s civil engineering team reinforced the structure where the Leisure World building adjoined the casino. After demolition, new external cladding was installed to make the structure secure.

The demolition was completed within 16 weeks, with 98% of the materials, including 1,200 tonnes of steel and 600 tonnes of concrete, recycled. Dust suppression measures were used throughout, and crushed concrete was reused on-site to reduce transport movements.

Adam Blake, Director of HWM Group, commented, “The Leisure World demolition contract shows that our group’s experience across demolition, waste handling, and civil engineering has been recognised for our local expertise and the resources we can bring to projects of this size.”

The site will initially be used as a temporary car park, serving both the cruise terminal and import/export vehicles, while redevelopment plans progress.