Southmead Police Station

Weaver Demolition was contracted to carry out the full demolition and clearance of the former Southmead Police Station in Bristol. The project involved asbestos removal, a full internal soft strip, demolition of the main buildings and cell block, and on-site recycling of demolition arisings. The works were completed within a 14-week programme, ensuring the site was left safe, clear, and ready for redevelopment. With neighbouring properties in close proximity, safety and environmental controls were critical throughout.

Key facts

Sector:

Commercial

Timeline:

14 weeks

Location:

Southmead Police Station, Bristol

Services:

Demolition, Strip-out, Temporary Works, Asbestos Removal, Crushing & Screening

History

Southmead Police Station was constructed in the mid-20th century as part of the expansion of Bristol’s civic infrastructure to serve growing suburban communities. The facility included administrative offices, custody suites, and a purpose-built cell block. For decades, it acted as a local policing hub, providing services to Southmead and surrounding areas. By the 2010s, however, changes to policing operations and a move towards larger centralised facilities meant the station became redundant. Its closure left the building vacant, and demolition was commissioned to prepare the site for future redevelopment in line with Bristol City Council’s regeneration priorities.

Project Overview

Weaver Demolition’s scope of works covered the full clearance of the redundant police station and its associated structures:

  • Asbestos Removal: Licensed and non-licensed asbestos was carefully removed in accordance with regulatory requirements, creating a safe environment for subsequent works.
  • Soft Strip: Internal fixtures, fittings, and non-structural elements were removed to maximise recycling potential and prepare the buildings for demolition.
  • Structural Demolition: The main station buildings and the reinforced custody cell block were demolished using controlled mechanical methods.
  • Scaffold Protection: A scaffold system with monarflex sheeting was erected along one elevation to protect neighbouring properties from falling debris and to suppress dust.
  • Slab and Foundation Removal: All slabs, foundations, and below-ground obstructions were broken out to leave a clear and obstruction-free site.
  • On-Site Crushing: Concrete and brick arisings were processed on site into 6F2 aggregate and stockpiled for reuse in future construction phases.

Project Requirements

The client required Weaver to:

  • Deliver a complete enabling package covering asbestos removal, soft strip, demolition, and site clearance.
  • Safeguard neighbours and the public through the use of scaffold protection and dust suppression.
  • Process materials sustainably to reduce costs and environmental impact.
  • Meet a strict 14-week programme to ensure the site was ready for redevelopment on schedule.

Environmental Impact

Weaver ensured the project was delivered with minimal environmental impact through:

  • On-Site Recycling: By crushing concrete and brick arisings to 6F2 specification, waste was retained on site, reducing transport movements and reliance on imported materials.
  • Waste Segregation: Metals, timber, and other recyclables were separated and sent for reprocessing, reducing landfill disposal.
  • Dust and Noise Control: Dust suppression units, strict plant management, and scaffold sheeting reduced nuisance for nearby residents and businesses.

Key Benefits to the Client

The project delivered significant benefits, including:

  • Programme Certainty: Works were completed within the agreed 14-week period, enabling the redevelopment timetable to stay on track.
  • De-Risked Site: Hazardous asbestos and underground obstructions were fully removed, leaving a safe platform for follow-on contractors.
  • Neighbour Protection: Scaffold sheeting and dust suppression ensured good relations with surrounding residents and minimised complaints.
  • Sustainable Delivery: High recycling rates reduced both project costs and environmental footprint.

Project Summary

In just 14 weeks, Weaver Demolition successfully cleared the former Southmead Police Station, removing hazardous materials, demolishing redundant structures, and recycling demolition arisings on site. The works were carried out safely, efficiently, and with careful consideration for the surrounding community. The result was a cleared and construction-ready site, allowing the area to move forward with its next phase of regeneration.

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