OCEAN TERMINAL

Project Scope

The works involved the dismantling and removal of the east section of the iconic Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Leith, Edinburgh.

The 8,500m2 20m high demolition zone included the former Debenhams retail unit, Pure Gym and a six-storey concrete-framed multi-storey car park. Crucially, the main section of the shopping and leisure mall remained fully operational throughout the works, requiring meticulous planning and co-ordination.

The site was located adjacent to major tourist attractions including the Royal Yacht Britannia - one of Scotland’s top visitor destinations - and the Port of Leith Distillery. These attractions remained opened during the demolition activities whilst maintaining safe access for the public.

Key demolition works undertaken included:

Internal soft strip including removal of fixtures & fittings, ceilings, partitions, floor finishes and M&E services.
Dismantling and crane removal of roof top plant and equipment.
Removal of structural concrete floors and associated steel-frame.
Removal of 25m high glass clad rotunda.
Demolition of six-storey concrete framed car park.
Crane removal of existing link bridge.

Client

Client: Ambassador Group

Duration: 18-Months

Location: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh

Planned Redevelopment

Key Project Challenges

The project presented numerous challenges that the GCM team successfully overcame including:

Major tourist attractions and businesses to remain open throughout the works.
The main and live shopping centre/mall was connected to the demolition zone.
The shopping centre was to remain live and unimpacted at all times.
Limited working space within the demolition zone.
The size of the building required large plant to be mobilised and safely used in limited space.
Restricted exclusion zones due to the proximity of existing buildings to the site.
Control of dust and noise close to sensitive receptors.

Solution

By working closely and utilising clear communication with our client and key stakeholders, GCM delivered a carefully phased and strategically managed demolition programme. This was designed to minimise disruption and uphold the highest safety and environmental standards. Paramount to the project was ensuring local business were able to maintain their operations throughout the works without jeopardising their safety.

We adopted the following techniques to ensure the successful delivery of the challenging project:

Using specialist temporary works to design a safe demolition sequence.
Adopting controlled demolition techniques including robotic demolition.
Minimising manual handling through use of hydraulic excavators and heavy-duty shear attachments.
Undertaking specialist hot cutting preparation techniques.
Hand divorcing the main structure from the surrounding live environment.
Limiting working at height where possible by utilising high reach excavators to sequentially demolish the building and car park.
On-site concrete crushing to re-use on site for future piling mat removing the need for offsite disposal and subsequent material import.

Outcome

GCM successfully and safely demolished the Ocean Terminal buildings and car park without impacting the surrounding businesses.

This project is a clear demonstration of GCMs ability to deliver large-scale, technically demanding urban demolition projects working in live environments with minimal disruption, high safety standards and environmental compliance.

Outcome

Outstanding aerial imagery has been expertly captured through drone footage by Ravens Drones -

View

industrial Dismantling of retail complex & multi storey car park

Project Scope

Client

Key Project Challenges

Solution

Outcome

Outcome

Outcome

Outcome

Outcome