Daltons Demolitions were appointed to undertake the demolition and site clearance of the former commercial premises at 126 Salamander Street, together with two adjoining units at 1–3 Salamander Yards in Leith, Edinburgh.
The buildings comprised a combination of reinforced concrete and steel portal-framed construction with brick infill walls and profiled steel cladding. The main warehouse incorporated an asbestos cement roof which had subsequently been overclad with steel sheeting.
The site presented a number of logistical challenges due to its location. Salamander Street remained busy throughout the works, with residential properties and local access routes immediately adjoining the site, Leith Links to the south and neighbouring commercial premises remaining operational.
A carefully phased demolition sequence was developed to allow the buildings to be taken down safely while maintaining appropriate separation from members of the public and surrounding properties. The site perimeter was secured using 2.1m anti-climb fencing, with vehicle and pedestrian movements closely controlled throughout the works.
Particular consideration was given to the elevations adjoining Salamander Street. Due to their proximity to the public footway and carriageway, sections of these elevations were dismantled using MEWPs and controlled hand-demolition techniques rather than conventional machine demolition.
A temporary pavement occupation and traffic-management system was established for this phase of the project. Daltons coordinated the necessary arrangements and worked to an approved traffic-management plan, ensuring pedestrian routes and road users could be safely managed while demolition proceeded.
Asbestos-containing materials were removed and managed in accordance with the project asbestos information prior to the main structural demolition. The remaining structures were then progressively reduced, with demolition materials segregated and removed from site through controlled waste streams.
The works were delivered through a planned approximately 12-week demolition programme, demonstrating Daltons’ ability to undertake complex demolition projects within constrained urban environments while maintaining safe access around a live public highway.
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