Bachy Soletanche brings a wealth of expertise in designing and delivering tailored geotechnical solutions for a broad spectrum of recreational and retail developments, including shopping centres, leisure facilities, sports stadiums and theatres.
This sector presents a unique set of challenges, from rapidly evolving consumer expectations and economic volatility to stringent regulatory requirements.
Leisure and Retail Sector
Leisure and retail construction projects present a unique set of challenges, from rapidly evolving consumer expectations and economic volatility to stringent regulatory requirements. Developers must not only create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces which are sympathetic to their environment, but also ensure timely delivery within budget, all while responding to growing demands for sustainability and minimising disruption to the local communities.
With vast experience in navigating the complexities of congested sites and live environments, Bachy Soletanche excels at managing the intricate logistics that these projects often require. We rely on meticulous planning to ensure public safety and protection of surrounding assets, while providing the flexibility and resources necessary to overcome site access challenges.
Our team is fully equipped to tackle any obstacle that comes our way, whether it’s through implementing low-noise and low-vibration techniques, utilising restricted-access equipment and specialist rigs, extending working hours for faster turnaround, or adopting ‘just-in-time’ delivery strategies to maximise on-site space. Whatever the challenge, we are committed to providing efficient, high-quality solutions that meet both client expectations and community needs.
Techniques:
Bachy Soletanche offers the full scope of ground engineering techniques that are required for leisure and retail construction projects, including all types of piling (such as CFA, LDA, CSP and restricted-access piling), retaining walls (such as secant, contiguous and diaphragm walls) and grouting (such as permeation, jet and compaction grouting).
Case Studies
Devonshire Park Redevelopment, Eastbourne
Devonshire Park’s £54m redevelopment features a new Welcome Building with modern amenities. Bachy Soletanche, appointed by VINCI Construction UK, delivered geotechnical works, overcoming challenges of restricted site access, listed buildings, and exclusion zones applied by the International Tennis Centre.
Intu Lakeside Extension, West Thurrock
Bachy Soletanche designed and installed foundations, optimising efficiency through test piles and working closely with McLaren to safely navigate the site’s live service constraints. Intu Lakeside’s £72m expansion added 225,000 sq ft for 40 retailers, entertainment venues, and restaurants.
Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club
The prestigious Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club project included extensive piling and foundations works, involving the redevelopment of Court 19 and the surrounding area. Bachy Soletanche installed tension, contiguous, and plunge column piles, utilising advanced laser-leveled frames.
Waitrose John Lewis At Home, Basingstoke
Contracted by Bowmer and Kirkland, Bachy Soletanche provided foundations for the UK’s largest Waitrose John Lewis co-located store. Part of Basing View’s £200m regeneration, the project had the added complexity of an existing public highway road running through the western half of the site.
Ilona Rose House, London
The team faced logistical challenges with restricted access, limiting the length of deliveries to 15m. This partly drove the three-part cage design for the bearing piles. Since project completion, the development now provides shops and restaurants, offices, rooftop gardens, public art and a transformed streetscape along Manette Street.
