Windmill undergoes a revolution

MANCHESTER-based demolition specialist Windmill Group is to launch a broader range of pre-construction services including site remediation, ground engineering and civil engineering.

The firm’s managing director, Adrian Kelly, said that it had decided to diversify ahead of its 15th anniversary celebrations which take place this month.
The firm has worked on many significant construction projects for clients such as Urban Splash, Bruntwood, Peel Holdings and The Co-operative. It was also the only demolition contractor from outside the M25 to be appointed on the Olympic Park scheme in Stratford ahead of next year’s games.

The firm is currently working on the complex demolition of a fire-damaged multi-storey office building at the former ICI head quarters in Runcorn.  

The 40 week programme has involved the safe removal of more 250 tons of hazardous materials including radioactive waste and asbestos prior to the safe demolition of the building.  Around 95% of the non-hazardous waste will be recycled and not sent to landfill.

Following demolition a new office and laboratory space will be built on the site by Site Operations Group (SOG Ltd), which owns and operates the site – now known as The Heath Business and Technical Park.  

Kelly said: “Because the building was so badly damaged by the fire the operation has been very high risk and proved to be a challenge but good communication, programming and team management have been the key to the success we have achieved.”