Site clearance and demolition works completed to enable construction of replacement energy recovery facility

DSM Demolition Ltd, the contractor appointed by North London Waste Authority (NLWA) to carry out removal of above and below ground structures at the northern end of the Edmonton EcoPark as part of the North London Heat and Power Project (NLHPP), has completed their contracted work on-time and within budget.

The site is being prepared for construction of a modern, world-class replacement facility for turning north London’s residual waste into low-carbon energy, supporting London’s commitment toward a Net Zero future.

Meeting or exceeding industry safety standards and environmental sustainability targets are at the heart of delivering the NLHPP. As part of this commitment, 5,000 cubic meters of crushed rock, concrete and dirt was collected following demolition of the site and will be repurposed for construction of the replacement facility. DSM Demolition also exceeded safety and environmental performance standards during the contract, resulting in zero safety incidents and no environmental damage.

Allan Haynes, NLHPP Construction Manager said, “Despite tight timeframes and the ongoing operations of a busy waste management facility, the works were carried out in a meticulous manner with planning, safety and sustainability always at the forefront. The result was a contract completed on-time and within budget, with no complaints from the community and no harm to either the environment, workforce, LondonEnergy employees or visitors.”

Sam Kelly, Project Manager for DSM Demolition said, “This contract required extensive planning with the Project team ahead of works starting, and a clear focus on safety, maintaining current operations, and care for the environment was a high priority throughout. The site is now ready for future construction, and we’re pleased to play our part in moving such an important project forward for north London.”

As part of the £3.5 million contract, DSM Demolition conducted site clearance, remediation of the site and recycling of on-site materials suitable for re-use. Located north of the current energy from waste facility, the site contained a former storage area for incinerator bottom ash and a decommissioned in-vessel composting compound. These services are now managed by offsite providers.

View of the site looking south. A large mound of rubble remains onsite and will be repurposed for construction of the replacement facility.

One apprentice from the local area joined DSM Demolition throughout the contract, gaining invaluable experience working within the construction sector. NLHPP runs an industry-leading apprenticeship programme, with a commitment to recruit at least 100 apprentices from the local area during construction. So far, the Project has welcomed 16 apprentices working in highly skilled roles such as ground and civil engineering, quantity surveying and business administration.

DSM Demolition Ltd has a track record of demolition works which include Paradise Circus in Birmingham, Colston Hall in Bristol, and the former Civic Centre site in Coventry.

The contractor began mobilising onsite in January 2021 and completed the works in June 2021.

The NLHPP is NLWA’s flagship project to construct an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) and associated plant to replace the existing energy from waste facility at the Edmonton EcoPark. The existing energy from waste facility is expected to reach the end of its operational life around 2025, when the new ERF is expected to become operational. It will use advanced technology to offer the most cost effective and environmentally friendly solution to treat the volume of waste produced by north London’s residents.

The procurement process for the replacement ERF is underway and potential contractors were shortlisted in autumn 2020. The contract is expected to be awarded to the successful contractor by the end of 2021 with commissioning of the facility targeted for late 2025.