Esh Construction has implemented the use of innovative aggregate materials as part of its Gypsey Race Park Phase 2 (Areas 3 and 4) scheme in Bridlington.
The £3.4m scheme is being delivered by Esh’s civil engineering division, on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council following the completion of Areas 1 and 2 last year.
Working in partnership with appointed specialist sub-contractor Maccaferri Ltd, a total of 1,500 cubic metres of foam glass aggregate by GEOCELL® — a high-quality insulation hardcore — has been installed in Areas 3 and 4 of the public realm scheme.
Head of Construction for Maccaferri Ltd, Allan Rice, explained: “Changes to the required site levels caused concerns that an existing Green Terramesh structure would be overloaded by the increased height. Consequently, the Esh Civils team identified the foam glass aggregate which offered not only an 80% weight reduction compared to normal fill materials, but comprises 99% recycled glass. This was then used as structural backfill to a new Green Terramesh reinforced soil slope.”
Made from waste glass that can be reused or recycled again, the sustainable and environmentally friendly aggregate supports Esh’s Summit 2026 strategy — which outlines Esh’s ambition to be regarded as one of the leading sustainable construction firms in the UK — and the ongoing discussion about utilising construction methods which are less harmful to the environment.
Rice continued: “The use of recycled materials further enhanced the environmental credentials of the site as Green Terramesh also holds an Environmental Products Declaration certificate.”
Steve Conn, Divisional Director at Esh Civils, said: “Within our construction activities, we aim to use aggregates and materials from recycled and sustainable sources. This is the first time we have used foam glass aggregate by GEOCELL®. This will benefit the scheme through its environmentally friendly qualities while providing the engineering solution we needed to meet the client’s design.”
Helen Jackson, Project Coordinator at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to include this technique in the Gypsey Race Park project. Sustainability is at the heart of the regeneration project which aims to establish blue/green infrastructure in Bridlington for the benefit of the local community and wildlife.”
The Gypsey Race Park has been part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the council’s capital programme.
The project is due for completion in Winter 2020 and comprises engineering and re-profiling of the land and banks in and around the Gypsey Race watercourse, including landscaping, tree planting, lighting installation, and a new play park.
Changes to the required site levels caused concerns that an existing Green Terramesh structure would be overloaded by the increased height. Consequently, the Esh Civils team identified the foam glass aggregate which offered not only an 80% weight reduction compared to normal fill materials, but comprises 99% recycled glass. This was then used as structural backfill to a new Green Terramesh reinforced soil slope.”
