Rail Past Project

HS2

Enabling Works

0 Project Value

0 Year Programme

0 Peak Workforce

Project Overview

Bowercross completed another project on the HS2 enabling works. The team assisted with the large scale archaeology excavation which took place at St James Gardens, Euston.

Due to the sensitive nature of these works, the BCL team and the archaeologists worked closely together to successfully overcome all the challenges encountered throughout the project.

BCL also supplied a team of miners to excavate deep shafts for the columns of the scaffold structure erected to protect the site.

The shafts were nearly all excavated by hand to ensure the works were carried out in a dignified manner.

Project Details

Client HS2

Principal Contractor Costain - Skanska JV

Project Value £900 Million

Sector Rail

Location London, United Kingdom

Duration 2018 – 2020

£900M Total Project Value

125+ Peak Operatives On Site

24 Month Programme Duration

Our

Scope of Works

BCL delivered a comprehensive package of labour and supervision services across all major construction phases of the project.

Project Overview

Bowercross Construction Labour (BCL) supported enabling works for High Speed 2 Ltd at St James's Gardens as part of the wider development of London Euston railway station. The works involved assisting with large-scale archaeological excavation within a historically sensitive burial ground. Due to the nature of the site, BCL worked closely with archaeological teams to ensure all excavation activities were carried out with care, precision, and respect while supporting the wider HS2 enabling programme.

Archaeological Excavation Support

BCL provided construction labour to assist archaeologists during the large-scale excavation works. Key activities included: Supporting archaeological teams during controlled excavation activities Assisting with soil removal, site preparation, and material handling Careful excavation in accordance with archaeological guidance Maintaining site access routes and working areas for excavation teams This collaborative approach ensured archaeological discoveries were preserved and documented correctly.

Shaft Excavation for Protective Scaffold Structure

The project required the excavation of deep shafts to support the foundations of a protective scaffold structure installed over the site. Works included: Excavation of multiple shafts for scaffold column foundations Installation of temporary support measures where required Preparation of bases for scaffold structural supports Close coordination with temporary works engineers and scaffold contractors These shafts were essential to enable the installation of a protective structure over the excavation area.

Hand Excavation and Specialist Mining Works

Due to the sensitive nature of the site, BCL supplied experienced miners to undertake specialist excavation activities. Scope included: Hand excavation of deep shafts to minimise disturbance to the site Controlled digging and soil removal within restricted areas Careful handling of materials in collaboration with archaeologists Maintaining the dignity and respect required for historic burial ground works This careful excavation method ensured that the works were completed responsibly and respectfully.

Health and Safety Management

Health and safety management was a critical component of the works due to the sensitive archaeological environment and deep excavation activities. Safety measures included: Implementation of site-specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) Continuous monitoring of excavation stability and confined working areas Daily safety briefings and toolbox talks for all operatives Close coordination between archaeologists, engineers, and construction teams These procedures ensured safe working conditions while protecting both the workforce and the historic site

Labour Supply and Workforce Management

BCL provided skilled labour and supervision to support the successful delivery of the works. Responsibilities included: Supply of construction operatives, specialist miners, and supervisors Workforce coordination with archaeological teams and HS2 contractors Allocation of labour for excavation, shaft construction, and logistics support Maintaining productivity while respecting the archaeological and cultural significance of the site This structured labour management ensured the works were delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Project Gallery

Key stages and completed elements of this major infrastructure programme.

Foundation works in progress

Structural frame installation

Reinforced concrete pour

Temporary works and access

Completed structural elements

Key Challenges & Solutions

Delivering major works within a complex infrastructure environment presented significant engineering and logistical challenges requiring innovative solutions from our teams.

Working Within a Sensitive Archaeological Site

Challenge: The excavation works at St James's Gardens took place in a historic burial ground, requiring all construction activities to be carried out with extreme care and respect while allowing archaeologists to document and preserve findings. Solution: BCL worked in close collaboration with the archaeological teams, adopting controlled excavation techniques and careful material handling procedures. Continuous communication between archaeologists and construction operatives ensured that excavation activities progressed efficiently while protecting historical remains and maintaining the dignity of the site.

Excavating Deep Shafts in Restricted Conditions

Challenge: The project required the excavation of deep shafts to support scaffold columns for a protective structure over the site. These works were carried out within a confined and highly controlled environment, presenting technical and logistical challenges. Solution: BCL deployed experienced miners and specialist operatives to undertake the excavation works. The shafts were predominantly excavated by hand, allowing for precise control of the excavation process while minimising disturbance to surrounding areas and ensuring structural stability.

Coordination Between Multiple Disciplines

Challenge: The project required close coordination between construction teams, archaeologists, engineers, and HS2 contractors, all working within a tight footprint and programme-sensitive environment. Solution: A collaborative working approach was adopted with regular coordination meetings, detailed planning, and phased work sequencing. This ensured that excavation, shaft construction, and archaeological recording could take place simultaneously without delays, allowing the enabling works to progress successfully.

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