BWB Consulting - Integrated Engineering and Environmental Consultants
Criterion Arcade
Location: Bournemouth
The Criterion arcade is situated the centre of Bournemouth´s retail district; prior to refurbishment the building comprised two public houses and an arcade of small boutiques. The site was redeveloped to provide two multi-storey shop units each circa 12,000 sq ft over three floors.
With the exception of an ornate façade that was retained to the front elevation, the remainder of the building was demolished and replaced with a new steel framed structure. BWB were required to undertake a significant amount of exploratory works to gain an understanding of the existing structure and how this related to the adjoining properties to ensure that the building was demolished without detrimental affect on the adjoining properties.
A retention system was developed with the contractor to support the facade during the works requiring BWB consulting to provide a detailed sequencing strategy to ensure that the permanent structure could be erected without clashes assisting the contractor with his programme of works.
To create a single floor level for the new units, a number of former basements to the front of the building were backfilled and the rear of the site was reduced in level significantly.
The levelling of the site required careful consideration to avoid surcharging adjoining basements in the area of fill and the avoidance of undermining adjoining buildings in areas of fill.
