News Archive
Welcome to the Hydrock News Archive! Here you can view all past news stories.
Winter 11
Hydrock Structures Team Wins Next Phase of Award Winning College
Hydrock has been appointed as Structural Engineer on the second phase of development of the Ystrad Mynach College in Caerphilly.
Keynsham Comes to Life!
The £33m Keynsham Regeneration Project has been brought to life in an impressive computer generated fly-through produced by scheme Architects, Aedas.
Praise for 'On Time and On Budget!' handover
Trowbridge Civic Centre has now been officially re-opened to the public following the handover of the keys to Trowbridge Town Council by the Contractor, Beards, and Project Managers and Engineers, Hydrock, last week.
Structural Challenges for Hydrock on Listed Hospital Conversion Scheme
Hydrock has been appointed to an award winning team to provide structural engineering services for the mixed-use conversion of the listed Bristol General Hospital.
Hydrock design team commended for Gazeley Award
Gazeley, a leading global supplier of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, has won the Industrial Agents Society (IAS) 2011 Deal of the Year (over 50,000 sq ft) Award for its G. Park Swindon unit for B&Q.
Oxfordshire Gardens get the Green Light
Residents of 9 homes in South Oxfordshire who have played host to a range of plant, machinery and contractors for 8 weeks can now start planning their spring gardening programme following the remediation of their gardens under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Autumn 11
Hydrock Associate Recognised for Ground Engineering Standards
Hydrock Associate Dr Kevin Privett has become a UK Registered Ground Engineering Adviser, the
highest of three grades of registrant under the new The UK Register of Ground Engineering Professionals (RoGEP).
Hydrock Remediates for LA under Part IIA on Former Gas Works
Following a rigorous 3-stage tendering process with the Local Authority, Hydrock has won a contract to remediate gardens in South Oxfordshire under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Remediation Underway for Residential Development
Hydrock is undertaking remediation works for the Homes & Communities Agency at the Ransome Road site in Northampton.
Hydrock's Winning Ways!
Hydrock structural design engineers have been recognised once again for their part in award winning design teams on two prestigious landmark projects.
Hydrock Appoints Infrastructure Engineering Director
Hydrock has appointed Ted Stokes, previously with RPS, as Infrastructure Engineering Director.
Council Approves Hydrock Plan for Eden
With a commitment to minimise its environmental impact with some pretty ambitious emissions targets, a comprehensive travel plan promoting the highest possible levels of access by sustainable means is an essential requirement for the Eden Project.
Summer 11
Hydrock Briefs Contaminated Land Minister on Key Industry Issues
As part of an Defra initiative to review current environmental protection legislation, Hydrock contaminated land specialist, Dr Kevin Privett, recently attended a meeting at Defra HQ in London with representatives from the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) to brief Richard Benyon MP, the minister responsible for contaminated land, on some of the key issues affecting the industry.
Hydrock Beats the Traffic
Traffic considerations can be a major stumbling block to obtaining planning permission for development, particularly in built-up areas with existing congestion issues.
Remediation starts at St Modwen Swansea Development site
Work has started to remediate an 8.7 Ha reservoir on a former BP Llandarcy refinery in Coed Darcy for St Modwen. Hydrock is working with dredging partners to remove hydrocarbon impacted sludges from the base of the reservoir, prior to their reuse after treatment.
America's Cup
Hydrock's team based in the company's Plymouth office will have an added interest when the first ever America's Cup World Series Race hits their home town in September 2011.
Landmark Bristol Development Takes a Step Forward
A 110 Ha mixed use development incorporating over 3000 homes, commercial units and schools on the outskirts of Bristol has taken a step forward with the completion of a Geotechnical and Geo-environmental site investigation.
Cluttons and Hydrock help safeguard energy supply for SSE Power Distribution
Leading property consultant Cluttons has instructed engineering firm Hydrock to proceed on an additional 32 Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) on the substation asset base of its client SSE Power Distribution (SSEPD). With an additional 38 sites in the pipeline, this brings the total number of FRAs undertaken for SSEPD to 200.
Hydrock Appoints Geo-Environmental Associate
Hydrock has appointed Mark Briggs, previously with URS and Mouchel, as
Geo-Environmental Associate.
Hydrock Seminar Moves to Bigger Venue!
The response to our free 'Saving Costs and Carbon in Construction' seminar in Bristol has been so great that we have moved to a bigger venue! On the 21st September 2011 we will now be at the Ramada Bristol City, Redcliffe Way, Bristol BS1 6NJ.
Dr Mike Higgins Speaks Out
Hydrock Director Dr Mike Higgins is one of the keynote speakers at the Brownfield Briefing 9th Annual Remediation and Risk Assessment conference on 12th October in London
Bookings Now Open for Bristol Seminar on Saving Costs and Carbon
The next in Hydrock's 2011 series of free seminars will be held in Bristol on 21th September 2011 at Engineers House, Clifton.
Hydrock starts remediation work at Hinkley C
Hydrock has started remediation work at the site of the proposed new nuclear reactor, near Bridgwater in Somerset. EDF Energy, the UK's largest producer of electricity, appointed Hydrock to remediate a spoil heap created during the construction of the now decommissioned Hinkley A reactor.
'Unprecedented' Praise for Team as Distribution Centre Handed Over
Following the completion of an 74,000 sq m distribution centre for B&Q in Swindon, Hydrock's structural engineering and highway design team, which works on behalf of Gazeley, a global logistics property developer, has been praised for its contribution to the on-programme achievement of practical completion and highways sign off.
Hydrock Mark's Manchester Milestone
Flouting recessionary trends, the first anniversary of the opening of Hydrock's Manchester office this month marks the end of a successful first 12 months which saw the team deliver designs for landmark projects including a 800,000 sq ft distribution centre in Swindon and even one in Minsk.
Eco Village Takes Step Forward
Dreams of creating a sustainable eco community in the heart of Cornwall have moved a step closer to reality with the submission of a detailed planning application for the first phase of the development and outline planning for a much wider scheme.
Bookings Now Open for Birmingham Seminar
The next in Hydrock's 2011 series of free seminars will be held in Birmingham on 13th July at IET Birmingham in Austin Court, Brindleyplace.
Hydrock Appoints Remediation Contracting Manager
Hydrock has appointed Richard Lloyd-James, previously with Vertase FLI, as Commercial Manager for its Remediation Contracting Business.
Swansea Remediation Site Gets Green Light
A Swansea University scheme to build a £200 million Science and Innovation Campus on a site off Fabian Way, east of Swansea Docks, owned by St Modwen has received a boost with the announcement of a pledge for funding by the Welsh Assembly and the granting of planning permission.
Hydrock supports F1 at Mercedes-Benz World
Mercedes-Benz World commissioned Hydrock's versatile capabilities to help display a prestige exhibition of Mercedes-Benz powered F1 cars at 'Mercedes Benz World' in Weybridge.
Spring 11
Hydrock Shortlisted for Construction News Award
Hydrock Consultant's 'Great Progress over the Last three Years' has lined the company up for a prestigious Construction News Award 2011.
Hydrock Wins EDF Hinkley C Remediation Contract
Hydrock has beaten off stiff opposition to win a major EDF contract to carry out remediation at the site of the proposed new nuclear reactor, Hinkley C, near Bridgwater in Somerset.
Hydrock Shortlisted for Ground Engineering Award
Hydrock has been shortlisted for a Product Innovation Award by Ground Engineering Magazine for its work in delivering ground breaking, innovative approaches to resource efficient remediation.
Hydrock Shortlisted for Contamination Remediation Innovation
Hydrock has been shortlisted for a Product Innovation Award by Ground Engineering Magazine for its work in delivering ground breaking, innovative approaches to resource efficient remediation.
Hydrock 2011 Seminar Dates Announced
Dates for Hydrock's 2011 series of seminars which will be of interest to anyone involved in the development or regeneration of the built environment have been announced. The seminars are designed to help participants add value and reduce costs and will give them the opportunity to network with their peers over lunch - all for free!
Civic Centre Back on Track
Construction work on the new Trowbridge Civic Centre has re-started following the appointment of a new contractor, Beard Construction. Hydrock was providing Project Management and a full range of engineering services for Trowbridge Town Council at the time when the original contractor, construction giant Rok, collapsed last autumn and subsequently managed the tender process to appoint the new contractor.
Framework win for Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Hydrock Byways & Highways has won a place on a framework to provide Transport Engineering and Travel Planning Services to the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) Planning and Projects Department, Cornwall Healthcare Estates and Support Services (CHESS) as part of the delivery of Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust's capital and maintenance programmes.
Hydrock Cleans Up on Site Investigations
'Highest quality and lowest price' has won Hydrock's specialist geo-environmental teams a Local Authority contract in the East of England to carry out Site Investigations under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, set up for the regulation, identification and remediation of contaminated land in England and Wales.
'Winning Combination' Secures Keynsham Town Hall Contract
Following a stringent 3-stage OJEU tender process, Hydrock has been appointed as Structural and Highways Engineer on a landmark scheme for Bath and North East Somerset Council to redevelop the Keynsham Town Hall.
Winter 10
Adding Value to the Residential Development Process >
A new leaflet available to download from our website takes residential developers step by step through the services Hydrock provides at each stage of the development process with information about how we can help lower costs and add value.
Hydrock's 2011 free seminars highlight sustainability and saving costs through dealing with ground issues at masterplanning stage >
Hydrock's new series of free seminars for 2011 will take sustainability and masterplanning to reduce abnormal costs as their theme, with the focus very much on adding value (reducing costs!) to the development process.
Hydrock Wins Role in Eco-Town Pilot >
Hydrock has been appointed to provide engineering services on an exciting pilot project in West Carclaze and Baal in Cornwall which will mark the start of one of only four Government-selected schemes to be awarded the 'eco town' accolade in the UK.
Autumn 10
Hydrock appointed Consultant for Major DIY Distribution Centre >
Following the granting of planning approval by Swindon Borough Council to permit the development of a new state of the art distribution centre for DIY giant, B&Q, Hydrock has been appointed as Civil, Structural and Highways Consultant for the detailed (post planning) design stage of a 800,000 ft2 distribution facility by Gazeley, global provider of sustainable logistics space.
Hydrock appoints industry leader >
A new recruit, appointed to continue the drive for business growth at Hydrock, will be a familiar face to many in the in the construction industry.
Hydrock appointed to design Belarusian logistics centre >
A Hydrock structural engineering team is working with a team of consultants to provide innovative solutions for the first logistics building to be constructed on a major international logistics centre in Belarus.
Exemplar Hydrock Projects Recognised in National Awards >
Mills Bakery and the Robinson Building both received 'Building for Life Awards', a national standard for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods and a partnership between CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and the Home Builders Federation and supported by Design for Homes.
Seminar Presentations Now Available to Download >
Following the success of the fourth in Hydrock's current series of Seminar Days last week in Northampton, copies of the presentations given, covering a range of topical development issues as detailed below, are now available to download.
Summer 10
Explosive End to Major Remediation Project >
A 13 hectare development project in Rochester, Kent will take a significant step forward on the 19th September when the demolition of a 300 ft chimney at a former CEMEX cement works is set to be triggered by the winner of a competition being organised in the local community.
Halving Waste to Landfill >
As WRAP's (Waste & Resources Action Programme) 'Halving Waste to Landfill' initiative approaches its second anniversary since its launch in 2008, Hydrock has collaborated with WRAP to produce a case study on 'Resource Efficient Remediation' outlining how savings can be achieved through remediation and onsite reuse of contaminated material.
Leading by Example - Hydrock Office Wins Award! >
When Hydrock needed additional office space at its head office premises in Bristol, the company was determined to put its commitment to quality and sustainability into practice.
Hydrock wins place on Utilities Environmental Services Framework >
A major 3 year environmental services framework has been let to 6 companies by Wales & West Utilities (WWU).
£35m Heartlands Project Makes Travel a Priority >
The £35m Heartlands project, which is set to transform an historic area of Cornwall and create a thriving community, is moving forward with the appointment of Hydrock Byways & Highways by Cornwall Council.
Hydrock's winning streak! >
Hydrock's structural division has hit a winning streak with four of its projects receiving prestigious awards in the last few weeks.
Spring 10
Award for Our Team in North Staffordshire! >
Hydrock has been recognised by North Staffordshire's professional services organisation, finest, for demonstrating 'sector excellence'. The award for the 'Ambassador for North Staffordshire' was received by the Hydrock in the 'Recognising Our finest Awards' ceremony at Barlaston's prestigious Wedgwood Museum, on Friday May 21st.
Hydrock Expands into Manchester >
Following the appointment of two industry leading civil engineering professionals, and bucking the recessionary trend, Hydrock has opened a new office in Manchester, bringing the number of its offices around the country to eleven.
Hydrock appointed to Major SEEDA Regeneration Schemes >
Hydrock has won the contract to provide Engineering Services to the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) for the preparation of the development platform at two major regeneration projects, referred to as Northfleet Embankment and Queenborough and Rushenden in Kent.
Dates announced for new series of free seminars >
Dates for Hydrock's new series of seminars of interest to anyone involved in the development or regeneration of the built environment have been announced. The seminars will be an opportunity for participants to increase their understanding of topical issues and network with their peers over lunch.
Hydrock on Civic Trust Award-winning Team >
Hydrock Structures1 has received a prestigious Civic Trust Award as part of a winning team which designed Stanbrook Abbey, a new monastery located in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, for an enclosed order of Benedictine nuns.
Hydrock wins top RoSPA award >
Hydrock has won a highly prestigious RoSPA award in recognition of the company's commitment to health and safety.
Hydrock begins next stage of Helpston Project >
Following 8 months of successful trials, Hydrock has commenced work for the Environment Agency to install a pilot remediation system at the former Ailsworth Road landfill site, at Helpston, near Peterborough.
Hydrock Wins EDF contract at Hinkley >
EDF Energy, the UK's largest producer of electricity, has appointed Hydrock to carry out full scale trial earthworks and blasting in advance of the main earthworks package for a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley, near Bridgwater in Somerset.
New Appointments Boost Hydrock Geotech Teams >
Following a year in which demand for Hydrock's ground engineering services has continued to grow, two new senior specialists have been appointed to further enhance the company's ground engineering capabilities.
Atlantic Village development pushes ahead >
Hydrock has been commissioned to provide a range of consultancy services for a 84,000 sq ft extension to an out-of-town shopping centre in Bideford, North Devon, for client Wessex Investors.
Sunday Times puts Hydrock on Top >
The highly prestigious 'Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For Survey 2010' has placed Hydrock, amongst the top companies to work for in the UK
Hydrock JV wins A6 Contract >
The combined strengths of Hydrock and Glover Site Investigations proved a winning combination
Hydrock wins double industry award recognition >
Hydrock has been highly commended in two prestigious industry awards. Hydrock won the 'Highly Commended' accolade for its submission in the Health & Safety Category at the Ground Engineering Awards ceremony.
Contract Win Cements Relationship >
Hydrock's Remediation Contracting arm has won a major contract with CEMEX to decommission, demolish and remediate their former works at Rochester. The works are driven by CEMEX's plans to close down and redevelop this old cement works and move production to newer state-of-the-art facilities in Tilbury.
Winter 09
Hydrock acquires Transport engineering consultancy >
Hydrock is moving ahead with growth plans by acquiring south-west-based transportation engineering consultancy, Byways and Highways Ltd.
Hydrock Drives Ahead With Expansion >
The appointment of key personnel and opening of a new office in Birmingham represent the latest progression of construction services group Hydrock's growth plans.
Hydrock Director Wins IoD Award 2009 >
Dr Mike Higgins, Director of construction services group Hydrock, has been named as IoD (Institute of Directors) Director of the Year for the East Midlands, 2009.
Autumn 09
SEEDA appoints Hydrock to geotechnical framework >
Hydrock has won appointment to the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) framework for geotechnical engineering consultancy works.
The value of the win will be up to £200k per year, over four years, with Hydrock winning a place among a group of just six consultants.
"Unless the government does something soon, the lights could go out in 2015." >
Dr Brian McConnell discusses Hydrock's successful management during the economic downturn with Ground Engineering's Gemma Goldfingle. Brian details the company's strategy, including diversification of business, strategic recruitment of key personnel and active pursuit of contracts. Click here to download the cutting from Ground Engineering's October 2009 issue.
HCA brownfield scheme kicks off >
The Ransome Road scheme to create homes, jobs and leisure opportunities for local people on a 13ha derelict site in Northampton is going ahead as Hydrock won an appointment to provide project management and remediation consultancy services to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
More fun in the fields at The 2009 Hydrock Challenge >
Over 200 valued clients, friends and Hydrock staff teamed up on Friday 4th September for this year's Hydrock Challenge Day to take part in an all-action selection of activities which included paintball, rage buggies, laser clay shooting and human table football.
Summer 09
Hydrock Awarded E.ON Ground Investigation Contract for New Nuclear Power Station >
Hydrock has been awarded the preliminary ground investigation contract by E.ON for the proposed new nuclear power station at Oldbury in Gloucestershire.
Hydrock set to kick off construction on Portland Gas Storage Project >
Hydrock is set to start work on what will be the largest onshore gas storage facility in the UK.
Hydrock Offers Sustainable Ground Source Heating Guide >
A complimentary Client's Guide To Ground Source Heating is now available from leading national construction services group, Hydrock.
Hydrock Appoints Remediation Business Manager To South East >
Construction services group Hydrock has expanded its remediation contracting team with the appointment of Paul Garrett as Remediation Business Manager, based in Woking, Surrey.
Spring 09
Sunday Times Survey Puts Hydrock on Top! >
The highly prestigious 'Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For Survey 2009' has placed Hydrock, amongst the top companies to work for in the UK for the third year running.
Hydrock Nominated In Four Industry Awards >
Multidisciplinary consultant and specialist contractor Hydrock has received nominations in four prestigious industry awards.
Winter 08
Hydrock Achieves Double Award Recognition >
Hydrock has been awarded the 'Best for Work-Life Balance' award in the New Civil Engineer Employer Review 2008.
Autumn 08
The Hydrock NextGear Challenge >
On Friday 5th September, over 250 Hydrock staff and clients braved atrocious weather conditions to take part in Hydrock's annual team-building event. A wide mix of companies was represented, including developers, contractors, project managers, property agents, lawyers, engineers, housebuilders, architects, local authorities and other government organisations.
Summer 08
Hydrock Announces Acquisition of Structural Design Company >
Hydrock's growth plans for 2008 have just received a major boost with the acquisition of structural engineering practice, Structures1, which brings the total headcount for the group to 370 and a projected turnover of over £40m for the current financial year. Initial Heads of Agreement were signed on 27th June and following a due diligence process, the acquisition of the Bristol and Gloucester-based 17-strong practice was completed on 31st July.
Northampton Teach-In and Team-Build Day >
On Thursday 26th June, in the last of the current season of Hydrock's popular seminars on topical development issues, guests from residential developers, property agents, architects, engineering consultants, contractors, local authorities and central government departments enjoyed a morning of presentations on Managing Flood Risk, Waste Management and Disposal, Groundsource Heating and Ground Engineering.
UK Drilling Expertise in Demand Overseas >
The drilling expertise of two engineers from UK specialist drilling company, Hydrock, has presented the company with a golden opportunity in Brazil.
Free Seminars on Development Issues >
We recently hosted the next in our series of Seminar Days in Bristol on Wednesday 21st May 2008 at The Bristol Golf Club, following the success of our Seminar Day in Plymouth.
Spring 08
Hydrock Wins Major Environment Agency Remediation Project >
Following a rigorous tendering process, remediation contracting company Hydrock has won a significant Environment Agency contract.
Sunday Times Survey puts Hydrock on Top! >
The highly prestigious 'Times Best 100 Companies to Work For Survey 2008' has placed Hydrock in the best top 10 medium-sized company to work for in the UK for the second year running.
Winter 07
Hydrock Shortlisted for National Award >
Hydrock has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2008 Ground Engineering Awards in recognition of the excellent work carried out by a team of Hydrock miners and mining engineers on the Emergency Stabilisation of Stone Mines underground at Combe Down in Bath.
Free seminars on development issues
Our new low energy, low carbon and low impact sustainable offices have now been built in Plymouth to house our growing number of staff. The new Plymouth office recently hosted the first of a series of seminar days on topical development issues on 28th February 2008 with presentations by four of Hydrock's leading professionals. Topics covered included managing flood risk, waste management and disposal, groundsource heating and Ground Engineering.
If you would like to receive more information on upcoming dates and locations, please email mikefernott@hydrock.com
Autumn 07
Remediation Win for Hydrock >
Hydrock have been appointed by Taylor Woodrow to undertake the demolition and remediation of a 7 Ha former cement works at Chinnor in Oxfordshire. Having supported Taylor Woodrow through the land appraisal and acquisition process on issues including contamination issues, slope stability and waste management licence surrender, Hydrock were pleased to be awarded.
Spring 07
Onwards and Upwards for Employee Satisfaction!! >
For the second year running, Hydrock has achieved a ranking in the Times Best 100 Companies To Work For List. Since being voted 12th in the Times "Best 100 small companies to work for" survey 2006, Hydrock, now with over 260 employees, has grown into the main category for 2007 and has achieved an amazing 5th place overall, with a special award for 'Best for Work and Home Balance'.
Hydrock Receives 3 Star Award for Workplace Engagement >
Hydrock, has been awarded the highest rating in a national scheme which rewards good employment practices and workplace engagement as and is one of only 42 companies nationwide to receive the 3-star rating in the Best Companies Accreditation Scheme 2007.
Winter 06
Hydrock Announces Renewable Energy Partnership >
In response to a growing requirement for turnkey renewable energy solutions, Hydrock has teamed up with Rehau, one of the world's leading manufactures or renewable energy equipment and Lorne Stewart, a national building services installation contractor, to offer a complete renewable energy solution from design and supply to installation and commissioning.
Autumn 06
English Partnerships Appoint Hydrock
Hydrock has been appointed to English Partnerships National Panel of Consultants for Geotechnical and Remediation Issues based on a rigorous assessment of the company's land quality expertise and capabilities. As one of only eleven companies selected nationally, this is a major achievement for Hydrock and will enable us to work on English Partnerships projects including; Hospital Sites Disposal Programme; Land Stabilisation Programme; National Coalfields Programme, as well as supporting their core activities of over 1,000 ha of Brownfield Land Assembly and Disposals. The contract runs from now until 2010.
Summer 06
Hydrock's Menu for Success Awarded Three Stars >
Following its success in the Times Top 100 Best SME Companies to Work for List, Hydrock, a multi-disciplinary consultancy and specialist contracting company has been awarded the highest rating in a newly launched scheme which rewards good employment practices and workplace engagement.
Spring 06
Hydrock makes Times Top 100 List
Bristol-based Hydrock has achieved a ranking in the highly prestigious 'Times Top 100 Small Companies to Work For' List, a benchmark for research into employee satisfaction in the UK.
