Delivering Complex Commercial Groundworks at Callerton Rise While Maintaining Programme

Commercial developments rely on far more than the buildings themselves. Without well-planned groundworks, drainage, infrastructure and external works, everything that follows is put at risk.

This project demonstrates how early technical expertise, proactive problem-solving and close collaboration can minimise disruption, manage unforeseen challenges and keep complex developments moving forward. For our client, it meant opening a new retail destination on schedule. For future clients, it highlights the value of partnering with a contractor who understands both the engineering and the commercial pressures behind every project.

Scope of Works

G&B Civil Engineering delivered the complete commercial groundworks and civil engineering package, including:

• Site preparation and earthworks
• Specialist ground remediation
• Foundations and reinforced concrete works
• Foul and surface water drainage installation
• Cellular attenuation storage systems
• Brickwork and blockwork up to DPC
• Ground-bearing concrete slabs
• Roads, car parks and hard landscaping
• Kerbing, paving and external surfacing
• Utility infrastructure and service ducting
• Boundary and retaining walls
• External lighting, road markings and street furniture
• Soft landscaping and topsoiling

Overcoming Complex Site Challenges

Every commercial development presents unique challenges. At Callerton Rise, success depended on responding quickly, working collaboratively and maintaining programme certainty throughout the build.

Unexpected Mine Shaft Discovery

During the early stages of construction, a previously unidentified mine shaft was discovered within the site. Rather than allowing the discovery to impact the programme, our team worked closely with specialist geotechnical contractors and the design team to assess the risk and implement a specialist concrete capping solution to stabilise the ground.

By identifying the issue early and acting decisively, construction progressed safely with minimal disruption while protecting the long-term integrity of the development.

Working Safely Beneath High-Voltage Power Lines

High-voltage overhead cables introduced additional complexity throughout the project.

Our team developed detailed working procedures that included exclusion zones, carefully managed plant movements and coordinated lifting operations. These controls ensured work could continue safely while maintaining productivity across the site.

Careful planning allowed critical construction activities to progress without compromising safety or programme.

Maintaining Programme Certainty

With commercial tenants committed to fixed opening dates, every stage of construction had to be delivered on time.

We worked closely with the client, principal contractor, utility providers and specialist subcontractors to coordinate resources, sequence activities and adapt the programme whenever required.

This collaborative approach ensured that drainage, foundations, road construction and enabling works were delivered in the correct sequence, allowing follow-on trades to begin without delay despite unforeseen challenges.

The Outcome

Despite complex ground conditions and evolving site constraints, G&B Civil Engineering successfully delivered the complete civil engineering and groundworks package on programme.

The completed development now provides modern retail and community facilities for the growing Callerton area, including a Greggs, Co-op Food Store and independent veterinary practice.

More importantly, the project demonstrates the value of combining technical expertise with practical project delivery. By identifying risks early, collaborating closely with project partners and maintaining a proactive approach throughout construction, we helped our client keep the development moving and achieve a successful handover.

For clients delivering commercial developments, it's an example of the certainty, experience and collaborative approach G&B Civil Engineering brings to every project.

Project Partners‍

• Portland Consulting Engineers
• Monument Design + Build
• Monument Electrical Engineering