Hawley Wharf School

Walsh provided expert advice to guide the client team through the complicated and lengthy statutory approvals during the planning process. This helped to ‘de-risk’ the site, providing the client with sufficient confidence to complete the purchase of the site. The triangular site is bound by Network Rail assets on all three sides including two freight lines and a passenger line. Walsh have taken a lead role in the negotiations with Network Rail and acted as Contractors Responsible Engineer. Pre-planning, Walsh prepared the lengthy ‘Approval in Principle’ documentation (often referred to as Form 1). We also successfully resolved 118 comments received from Network Rail to gain the necessary approvals required to give the project funders confidence. Another key challenge was the major sewer running through part of the site. Walsh designed an innovative solution to obtain a buildover consent and diversion agreement by providing Thames Water access under the site, without having to actually enter the site itself. As well as the approvals Walsh is providing full civil and structural engineering services, helping the Architect ensure that the building is both buildable and practical, and as efficient as possible.