Much-needed regeneration of a marine wasteland site 
Unused and in need of development for many years, the well known site has required extensive remediation works to reach planning application. Utilising its extensive knowledge and management of complex sites, Rund oversaw the remediation strategy delivered by the subcontractor and consultant, which enabled material excavation and on-site decontamination. Following this, Rund administrated a preconstruction services agreement assisting with the route to successful planning, in May 2024. 

Since then, the team is now progressing with the enabling package facilitating the site for above-ground development. A key component of this is the sea wall that protects the site, provides flood protection, and secures the remedial works already undertaken. 

A sensitive approach 
Located on the seafront on low-lying wasteland, the site includes sea defence and marine construction. With this comes specific ecological constraints and consent requirements. Rund is working closely with the principal contractor, Marine Management Organisation and Natural England to ensure access is allowed and works are sensitive to existing local sea life habitats and ecology, notably wading birds.

Site sustainability works have included the commission of a range of ecological enhancements that are sympathetic to the local wildlife, including bee bricks, native species planting and wildlife corridors, to ensure the site remediation ultimately improves the biodiversity of the area.

In addition to these marine site complexities and the rigorous process navigated by Rund, the team is also assisting on ground penetration surveys to identify potential unexploded ordinance. 

What’s next? 
Since planning, the team is supporting as Employers Agent /Project Manager, Cost Consultant and Contract Administrator, providing advice on phasing strategies, optimisation and value engineering sessions. Tendering procedures will follow for contractor selection with an ongoing contract administration service provided for each phase.

Rund will continue to support VIVID through to project completion, ensuring successful delivery of each phase with close management of all consultants involved. Once complete Victory Quay will provide Portsmouth with much needed homes and a vibrant new community. 

The support needed 
On complex sites, the role of construction consultants to manage each stage, provide timely information and reporting, to guide on important steps, is key. Through detailed understanding and experience Rund is Building Stronger Solutions Together. Without the right expertise and hands-on approach, projects like Victory Quay are especially at risk of issues like delays or other pitfalls should the process not be managed with care and attention.