Ports & Infrastructure

Acacia Hall

Dartford

Client: Dartford Borough Council

Project: Demolition of existing buildings, re-lining of an existing river, construction of a new car park and modifications to an existing highway through a Section 278 agreement.

Cost: £7M

Services: Project Management , Quantity Surveying / Cost Consultancy

RIBA Project Stages: 4-7

The project included the demolition of several buildings located in a publicly accessible area near to the Grade II listed Mansion House, along with the refurbishment of two stand alone buildings. A new pond was constructed to create an enhanced public amenity space. A new 350 space car park suitable for heavy HGV vehicles was constructed. Additionally, the refurbishment of 2 vehicle access bridges, the construction of a new pedestrian bridge and refurbishment of an existing pedestrian footbridge was undertaken, all whilst maintaining a public access route during the project. Works also included the re-lining of a section of the River Darent, which runs through the site, together with extensive structural modifications and aesthetically pleasing tie-in details at the Mansion House.

The opportunity

Total Project Integration were appointed to provide project management and cost management services and the project brief was to improve the overall makeup of the site, whilst enhancing pedestrian and traffic flow into the local area. The refurbishment works on the section of the River Darent that runs through the Acacia Hall site was necessary to create a fast flowing, naturally designed river with vast ecology enhancements which has historically run through two public parks and the town itself.

The challenge

The key challenges on the project included extensive buried asbestos removal, discovery of an operational culvert, which necessitated a road specification re-design, discovery of bone segments, which had an archaeological interest, roosting bats, and phasing to maintain public access. Additionally, like many projects at the time, the impact of Covid–19 had to be managed.

The outcome

The project has totally transformed the area with improved pedestrian and motor traffic flow. The enhanced public amenity space has created a new community space, and the development of commercial letting/ceremony opportunities in the newly refurbished buildings and surrounding grounds.