Freeley successfully delivered the demolition and site clearance of the North and South Annexes at Wallasey Town Hall for Wirral Council. This project exemplifies our expertise in managing complex demolitions in sensitive urban environments, ensuring minimal disruption while prioritising safety, quality, and social/community benefits. Funded by the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2), the works paved the way for regeneration, including new housing in the Seacombe area. Completed on time and within budget in 2024, the project demonstrates our capability to meet client requirements through meticulous planning, innovative techniques, and a commitment to excellence.
Scope of works
The contract encompassed the complete demolition and site clearance of the North and South Annexes, two multi-storey former office buildings vacant since 2020, located on either side of the Grade II listed Wallasey Town Hall in Brighton Street, Wallasey. Key activities included asbestos removal, internal soft stripping, phased structural demolition, removal of all basements and foundations, reducing height of remaining walls, construction of new ramp, decommissioning and removal of redundant below ground Fuel Storage bund, crushing and recycling on site, and final site levelling, landscaping and secure fencing.
Demolition methods varied by phase: high-reach excavators for the majority, with robotic Brokk machines for floor-byfloor deconstruction of the North Annexe section adjacent to residential properties.
Additional works involved installing site hoarding, pedestrian diversion routes, traffic management and ongoing dust suppression, noise and vibration monitoring to safeguard nearby homes, a leisure centre and Riverside Primary School.
Management of pre-construction and development of the price
During pre-construction, we collaborated closely with Wirral Council and their design team. This included site visits and meetings at tender stage and pre-contract/pre-start meetings following contract award, together with development of CPP, RAMS and Demolition Environmental Management Plan (including Materials Index and Site Waste Management
Plan).
We also carried out extensive stakeholder liaison and planning at pre-construction phase including letter drops and visits to local residents and stakeholders. We developed traffic and pedestrian management plans including temporary lane closures and bus stop closures.
The procurement was via competitive tender process under the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules, evaluated on price, quality and social value. Our submission, deemed the most economically advantageous, incorporated innovative methodologies including robotic demolition to mitigate risks and optimise costs. Our original contract value (£600,748.80) developed through detailed cost breakdowns, market benchmarking, and contingency planning for site constraints. We maintained transparency with fixed price elements and proactive change management, avoiding any
unforeseen escalations . The Final Account came under budget.
Meeting quality expectations
Quality was embedded throughout via our ISO 9001 accredited management system. We adhered to stringent standards, including CDM regulations, NFDC guidelines, and client-specific KPIs for quality, safety and environmental performance. Regular audits, daily briefings and real-time monitoring ensured compliance.
The project received positive feedback from Wirral Council. Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “Demolition of these annexes was long overdue and I’m pleased to see it has been done on time, to budget and with as little impact on surrounding properties as possible. These sites are a key element in developing the Town Hall Quarter area and the wider Seacombe corridor, as well as helping in delivering the much needed new homes.”
No defects were identified at handover, underscoring our track record of delivering defect-free projects and fostering
long-term client relationships, as evidenced by subsequent contracts with the Council.
Management to key milestones and programme timescales
The 20 week programme, commencing 5th February 2024, was managed using Instagantt, our preferred software for visual project management. This detailed scheduling and progress tracking. We split the project into four phases:
This phased approach minimised disruption, with monthly progress meetings and early warning notifications for potential delays. Despite challenges like proximity to occupied areas, we completed ahead of schedule through efficient resource allocation, including dedicated site teams and specialist equipment. This proactive management ensured adherence to timescales, enabling the Council to advance regeneration plans without delay.
Delivery of the works within the construction budget
Budget control was achieved through robust cost management, including monthly valuations, value engineering (e.g., on-site material recycling to reduce disposal costs). We utilised our in-house plant and experienced operatives to avoid subcontracting premiums. Environmental efficiencies, such as 98% material diversion from landfill, further optimised expenses. The project was delivered under budget, demonstrating our financial discipline and ability to absorb minor site contingencies without impacting the client.
Management of handover to end user client
Handover was seamless, with a structured process including final inspections, as-built documentation, and snagging resolution prior to completion. We provided comprehensive records, including waste transfer notes and decommissioning certificates. A joint walkover with Wirral Council confirmed site readiness—cleared, levelled, landscaped with topsoil seeding, and securely fenced—for future residential development. Post-handover support included a 12-month defects liability period and responsive aftercare (e.g. cleaning vandalised hoarding).
Approach to social value (economic, social and environment)
We proactively integrated social value commitments. Economically, we prioritised local supply chains, using local subcontractors and suppliers and employing a local Wirral resident. Socially, we donated to local charities including Mid Wirral Crime Prevention Panel’s Friday Night Football, Wirral Ark (homeless support), and Wirral’s Homeless Angels (meals for vulnerable groups). Our team engaged Riverside Primary School with an educational visit on demolition safety, using model equipment to inspire children and we also took the children to site. Environmentally, we
achieved 98% recycling rates and minimised emissions via low-emission machinery and dust/noise controls. These initiatives enhanced community relations and we received zero complaints.
This project showcases Freeley’s proven ability to execute challenging demolitions safely, efficiently, and with added value, positioning us ideally for the Procure Partnerships North West Contractor Framework.
Senior Quantity Surveyor at Wirral Borough Council
