Britcon was appointed by British Steel to deliver the civil engineering works for Project Libra, a major investment programme designed to transform the Medium Section Mill at Scunthorpe into a modern, highly efficient manufacturing facility. The project formed a key part of British Steel’s wider £30 million investment in its production capabilities and involved the transfer of furnace operations from the Heavy Section Mill together with the associated Cooling Bank Extension works. Working within a live steel manufacturing environment, Britcon provided a comprehensive design and build solution, delivering complex civil engineering infrastructure while maintaining the safe operation of the surrounding facility.
Scope of Works
The project involved extensive site preparation and enabling works ahead of the main construction programme. Britcon delivered a wide range of civil engineering works, including service diversions, piling operations, reinforced concrete foundations and specialist process structures. Key elements of the scheme included the construction of new substations, a hydraulic house basement, scale pit, discharge and charging roller table flumes, water treatment infrastructure and associated tanks. Significant reinforced concrete structures were constructed to support the heavy industrial processes required within the upgraded facility. The works required careful sequencing and coordination with British Steel’s operational teams to ensure construction activities were successfully integrated within an active manufacturing environment.
Challenges
One of the primary challenges was delivering the project within a live COMAH registered steelworks where safety, operational continuity and stakeholder coordination were paramount. Construction activities had to be carefully planned around existing production processes to minimise disruption to the facility.
The scheme involved the construction of deep pits, basements and substantial reinforced concrete structures, requiring specialist temporary works and excavation methods. Working at height, vibration management and maintaining safe access routes across a busy industrial environment required detailed planning and rigorous safety controls throughout the programme.
Early contractor involvement proved critical in developing temporary works solutions, coordinating service diversions and establishing construction methodologies that allowed the works to progress safely alongside ongoing operations.
Outcomes
Project Libra successfully delivered the civil engineering infrastructure required to support British Steel’s modernised manufacturing process. The completed works provided a robust platform for the installation and operation of new production equipment, helping to improve efficiency and productivity within the Medium Section Mill. Through close collaboration with British Steel and specialist stakeholders, Britcon delivered a complex programme of works safely and efficiently within a challenging operational environment. The successful completion of the project demonstrated Britcon’s expertise in delivering large scale industrial civils schemes, reinforced concrete structures and specialist process facilities within live manufacturing environments. The project further strengthened Britcon’s reputation as a trusted delivery partner for major industrial and heavy engineering developments across the UK.