Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area – making a former industrial site safe for development.
Ballymore and Sainsbury’s proposals for the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area have seen some concerns raised by local residents on the safety around redeveloping a former industrial gasworks site.
Beginning in 1996, the proposed site has undergone a number of ground investigations, desk-top surveys and remediation works to make sure it is suitable and safe for development. Significant remediation works took place in 2002, which included the removal of chemically-impacted soils.
Further investigations have taken place since then and while some contamination has been found, it has not been significant. This indicates that the majority of the worst contamination previously located within the western half of the site has been removed and dealt with.
In 2021, Ballymore commissioned Card Geotechnics Ltd, an independent consultant to thoroughly review and investigate the history of all previous remediation works and investigations, and to conduct its own assessment of all accessible areas of the proposed site.
The consultant’s work comprised digging 10 deeper boreholes, 11 trial pits and 19 shallow boreholes. This equated to one investigation location every 40 square metres of the proposed site.
Soil samples taken as a result of the consultant’s investigation showed findings typical of a former gasworks site. This included some contaminants such as metals, oils and inorganics (non-organic compounds).
While the assessment of the site was far-reaching, some areas could not be explored. This included the existing Sainsbury’s store and car park. Further investigations will take place in these areas as each phase or plot becomes vacant, ensuring any gaps in Ballymore and Sainsbury’s understanding of the site are filled.
Ballymore has a wealth of experience in redeveloping former industrial sites. This includes our London City Island and Royal Wharf projects, where new neighbourhoods have been established and are thriving. We recognise the importance of ensuring that local residents, new and existing, feel safe and secure in the place they call home.
Should planning permission be granted for the proposed site, Ballymore and Sainsbury’s will implement measures aimed at minimising the impact of remediation and construction works. These include:
‘Cleaning’ contaminated soil: All soil samples found to contain contaminants will be taken to an off-site ‘soil hospital’ for treatment and reuse.
Hoardings around the site: 2.4m high hoardings will be erected around each plot during construction. This will reduce the impact of dust and debris from these works, ensuring they have a minimal impact on those living close by.
Cleaning construction vehicles: Before leaving the site, all vehicles will go through a wheel wash to prevent the potential spread of dust and contaminants along transport routes. Muckaway trucks will also be covered to further reduce this risk.
Environmental controls: Dust, gas and odour will be monitored throughout construction. Should an issue arise, operations in that area will be paused until the issue has been dealt with.
Community engagement: The local community will be kept informed of all works taking place on site as the project progresses. Ballymore and Sainsbury’s are keen to work alongside, not against, local residents through open, honest and regular communications.
You can read more details in our report on ensuring the site is safe for development.