Gwella has recently completed a comprehensive package of asbestos remediation, enabling and safety works at Plymouth Civic Centre, a prominent landmark forming part of a major city centre regeneration scheme.
Due to the age, scale and complexity of the building, the project required a multi-disciplinary approach to safely manage hazardous materials, protect site personnel and enable the onward redevelopment works to proceed efficiently.
Asbestos Remediation Works
Gwella was appointed to undertake both licensed and non-licensed asbestos remediation and removal across multiple levels of the building, from the basement through to Level 14 (excluding Level 1).
The asbestos scope included:
- Removal of licensed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) requiring full enclosure, controlled removal techniques and independent air monitoring
- Removal of non-licensed and notifiable non-licensed asbestos materials, carried out in accordance with current UK legislation
- Phased works aligned with the wider strip-out and regeneration programme
- Full compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, HSE guidance, and site-specific risk assessments and method statements
Alongside the asbestos remediation works, Gwella delivered a range of additional scopes critical to maintaining safety and supporting the wider redevelopment programme.
These works included:
- Making safe of individual hazards throughout the building, including the protection and covering of open voids where fall risks were present
Removal of existing hoarding and the installation of new hoarding, including painting and finishing - Trial pit investigations to support structural and ground condition assessments
- Installation of two new shutter doors to improve security and segregation within the building
- Installation of fixed scaffolding handrail systems to provide safe access and edge protection at height
- Removal of pigeon guano, addressing both health risks and contamination within affected areas
All enabling works were carried out in coordination with Gwella acting as the principal contractor, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining strict safety controls across the site.
“Gwella delivered an exceptional standard of asbestos remediation across Plymouth Civic Centre, managing a highly complex, multi-level programme with professionalism and precision from start to finish. Their phased approach, full regulatory compliance, and clear communication gave us complete confidence that the site was safe and that our wider regeneration programme could progress without delay.”
– Camille – Project Director
