Daltons Demolitions were appointed by Morrison Construction to undertake phased demolition and site clearance works at Hawick High School in the Scottish Borders as part of the major redevelopment of the existing school campus.
The works involved the controlled demolition of a number of existing school buildings to create space for the construction of the new high school. With sections of the existing campus remaining operational throughout the project, careful planning and close coordination with Morrison Construction, Scottish Borders Council and school representatives were essential to maintain safe separation between demolition activities and pupils, staff and visitors.
A significant element of the project was the extensive asbestos removal required within the former Home Economics block prior to structural demolition. The demolition survey identified asbestos-containing materials throughout the building, including bituminous products beneath floor coverings within the Home Economics areas and asbestos-containing insulating-board ceiling tiles.
Further investigation also identified asbestos-containing insulating-board dust and debris within ceiling voids and around structural members, requiring a comprehensive removal and environmental cleaning programme before the building could safely be released for demolition.
Following completion of the asbestos works, the buildings were systematically soft-stripped and demolished in a controlled sequence. Specialist demolition excavators were used to progressively reduce the structures, with concrete, masonry, steel and other materials segregated at source to maximise recycling and material recovery.
Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining safe segregation from the live school environment. Vehicle movements, exclusion zones, dust suppression, noise controls and site access were continually managed to minimise disruption to the surrounding campus and neighbouring properties.
Daltons also worked with Morrison Construction and the school to provide an educational engagement session for pupils within Hawick High School’s Enhanced Provision department. Pupils were introduced to materials commonly encountered during demolition, including copper and plastic pipework, steel, concrete and brick, helping them understand both the demolition process and the changes taking place around their school.
The project demonstrates Daltons’ ability to deliver complex asbestos removal and phased demolition works within sensitive, occupied environments, combining specialist planning, controlled demolition, material recovery and close stakeholder coordination throughout the programme.
