Britcon was appointed by Associated British Ports (ABP) to deliver the redevelopment of the Pad 4 Backlands site at the Port of Immingham. Procured through the ABP Framework under an NEC4 Design and Build contract, the £4.87 million scheme transformed approximately five hectares of previously underutilised land into a robust and fully serviced operational platform capable of supporting future port activities and tenant requirements. The project formed part of ABP’s ongoing investment in enhancing infrastructure across one of the UK’s busiest ports, creating a high quality, sustainable and trafficable development area while maintaining operations within a live port environment.
Scope of Works
The project involved the design and construction redevelopment of the Backlands Pad 4 area, a former railway sidings and stockpile site that had historically been used for the storage of PFA, ballast and demolition materials. Britcon delivered extensive earthworks, drainage infrastructure and pavement construction works to create a stable and durable development platform suitable for future operational use.Works included the excavation, classification and management of existing materials, implementation of a comprehensive earthworks strategy, construction of new drainage networks and installation of specialist ground improvement solutions. Sustainable delivery was a key project objective, with significant volumes of site won materials reused wherever possible to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. The scheme was developed in line with national standards and ABP’s sustainability, safety and operational requirements.
Challenges
Delivering the scheme presented several technical and logistical challenges. Historic use of the site as railway sidings resulted in variable ground conditions, changes in ground levels and areas susceptible to waterlogging, requiring detailed investigation and careful engineering design. The site’s proximity to a live railway line and location within an operational port environment added further complexity, demanding meticulous planning to maintain safety and minimise disruption to neighbouring facilities and ongoing activities. Material management was another significant challenge. Existing stockpiles and potentially contaminated materials required comprehensive testing, classification and assessment to determine their suitability for reuse or safe disposal. Extensive quality assurance procedures, including CBR testing, compaction verification and chemical analysis, were undertaken to ensure compliance with project specifications and performance requirements. Throughout delivery, Britcon maintained strict control of programme, quality and environmental standards while working within a logistically demanding live operational environment.
Outcomes
The Pad 4 redevelopment was successfully completed on programme and within budget, delivering a high quality operational platform ready to support future port users and tenants. Early stakeholder engagement, collaborative design development and a robust risk management approach enabled the project team to identify significant efficiencies and cost saving opportunities while maintaining programme certainty and quality standards. The project achieved excellent quality, safety and environmental outcomes. Works were delivered in accordance with Britcon’s accredited management systems, supported by comprehensive testing and inspection procedures, digital quality management tools and independent audits. The scheme was completed with zero accidents and minimal defects, receiving positive feedback from the client team. Senior Project Manager Nicc Irvin of Associated British Ports praised Britcon’s performance, recognising the team’s proactive approach to risk management and successful delivery of the project brief. The project also generated significant social value benefits. Britcon delivered a 27% social return on investment, exceeding project targets, created new employment opportunities, safeguarded jobs and supported local supply chain businesses. Environmental initiatives included achieving a 99% waste recycling rate, reducing carbon emissions through material reuse and supporting community initiatives such as student mentoring, careers engagement activities, IT equipment donations and the planting of 100 trees through Ecologi. These outcomes demonstrate Britcon’s commitment to delivering lasting value beyond construction.