Buro Happold’s Infrastructure group has specialist teams dedicated to masterplanning, ground and water engineering, transport, utility provision and land remediation. This multi-disciplinary expertise has enabled us to deliver an integrated infrastructure package on a wide range of projects around the world.

With an acute shortage of affordable land in urban areas it is essential that a detailed site appraisal is carried out at the feasibility stage of a project. In many cases this will enable developers to avoid the costly delays incurred in solving complex planning, environmental or engineering issues that may not be immediately evident.

With a growing trend for regeneration and building schemes on reclaimed land – where contamination can be a problem – accurate geotechnical and environmental site studies play a vital role in identifying potential risks and hazards and achieving a workable, cost-effective solution.

Following an initial site walkover, we review local planning constraints and check on existing easements and the availability of utility supplies. Access to the site is a critical factor, so we assess the surrounding road and rail infrastructure and the stability of existing structures such as bridges, culverts and sea walls.

Using state-of-the-art geotechnical techniques we identify contamination such as ground gases, chemicals and heavy metals and analyse ground movement and load bearing capacity, as well as the stability of adjacent buildings. To ensure sustainability we assess flood risk and prepare environmental screening and scoping reports.

In terms of risk management and ‘value engineering’ opportunities, proper investigation of the site can yield long-term commercial benefits. Buro Happold has extensive experience of providing public and private sector clients with detailed site assessments to assist in site acquisition, regulatory approval and project delivery