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Infinity Park, Derby

Infinity Park, Derby

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Since the turn of the Millennium, BWB has applied proven multi-disciplinary consultancy expertise in shaping the ambitious proposals for Infinity Park. The 100-acre development project was formerly known as Chellaston Business Park, and we recently assisted the developer consortium in renewing outline planning consent for the scheme. The strategically important site had been identified as a key employment site for Derby, given its proximity to the Rolls Royce manufacturing campus to the north. The project will also deliver much needed road connectivity for southern Derby by creating a new road connection between Wilmore Road and the A50.

BWB provided the engineering advice needed to secure planning consent on a wide range of subjects including Transport Planning, Flood Risk and Drainage, Earthworks, Highway Design and Ground Conditions. With planning permission obtained, grant funding was secured for the delivery of the primary infrastructure that helped unlock this regionally important employment site, including the T12 Link Road that was completed in summer 2016.

Transport Planning: The T12 Link Road forms a new strategic connection in the road network for Derby. Assessment of the effects of creating this new link, and the effect of the travel needs generated by the proposed development, were therefore critical to securing planning permission for the development and the link road. Utilising advanced modelling techniques, we developed a comprehensive understanding of these wide ranging and geographically dispersed transport effects. We identified a package of complementary and appropriately scaled mitigation measures and through our close working relationship with Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council and the Highways Agency, secured their agreement to the proposals.

Flood Risk & Drainage: The extent of floodplain in and around the proposed development site is significant because of the complex interaction of a number of local watercourses. A robust floodplain compensation strategy was therefore required to overcome significant concerns about flood risk and enable the site to be deemed suitable for development without impacting on its developable area and viability.

Key Challenges

Transport Planning: The T12 Link Road forms a new strategic connection in the road network for Derby. Assessment of the effects of creating this new link, and the effect of the travel needs generated by the proposed development, were therefore critical to securing planning permission for the development and the link road. Utilising advanced modelling techniques, we developed a comprehensive understanding of these wide ranging and geographically dispersed transport effects. We identified a package of complementary and appropriately scaled mitigation measures and through our close working relationship with Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council and the Highways Agency, secured their agreement to the proposals.

Flood Risk & Drainage: The extent of floodplain in and around the proposed development site is significant because of the complex interaction of a number of local watercourses. A robust floodplain compensation strategy was therefore required to overcome significant concerns about flood risk and enable the site to be deemed suitable for development without impacting on its developable area and viability. BWB undertook an extensive flood and earthworks modelling exercise in close consultation with the Environment Agency, and designed a strategic flood mitigation scheme incorporating extensive flood storage areas within the masterplan to deliver a reduction in flood risk to the wider area. Given the greenfield nature of the site the surface water drainage strategy incorporates extensive use of sustainable drainage systems such as swales, wetlands and ponds.

Earthworks & Highways Design: The simple topography of the site initially suggested that the design for earthworks and highways would be straightforward. However, achieving acceptable gradients for drainage, both on road surfaces and in buried pipes, whilst also achieving an overall earthworks balance on such a large site was a significant problem. Creative and intelligent design of highway and drainage infrastructure compatible with achievable development plateau levels meant that this onerous engineering challenge was overcome.

KEY CONTACTS

Iqbal Rassool

Iqbal Rassool
Group Director - Environment
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