LOCATION:
A £9m project for Cardiff Council that has created a pedestrian-orientated civic space in the heart of Cardiff, featuring innovative green and blue infrastructure. It is intended to act as a catalyst for private sector investment and define a new and exciting waterside destination.
First revelation of the canal following the removal of the initial concrete beams
Fully exposed 70m length of canal
The most eye-catching aspect of the project was the transformational reopening of a 70m length of the Dock Feeder Canal.
- Bespoke rain gardens to remove pollutants from surface water prior to flowing into the canal.
- Landscaping to tie in the new features with the surrounding city, including tiered seating areas, planting and water features.
- A cantilevered performance stage and a sunken tiered seating area on the opposite bank.
- A feature pergola providing covered seating.
- Two access bridges crossing the canal.
- Modifications to the surrounding road network to create a more pedestrian and cyclist orientated environment, including speed restrictions and alterations to signalised junctions.
- Restoration of the dock feeder’s walls.
Drone footage
Challenge
Reopening a 70m section of the dock feeder canal, which was covered by 69 concrete beams that each weighed 7.5 tonnes.
Solution
Faced with working not only within a confined city centre location but above a Victorian brick egg sewer, we first considered lifting out the sections by either 60T or 90T crane. The 60T proved unable to reach the full extents. The 90T would have required considerable amendments to our site layout. This lead to us deciding to use a 50T excavator, which was the smallest size of machine capable of managing both the capacity and reach required.
We then had to solve how to release the beams, which were locked into position with a keystone. We did this by pecking at the joints and nudging them fractionally towards the keystone, duly releasing the pressure and allowing the beams to be easily lifted out.
“The Cardiff Canal Quarter project is definitely civil engineering at its best, refurbishing existing engineering structures, opening up the public realm and adding considerable amenity for residents and visitors, and regenerating the city centre”.
Dr Janet Young
Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers
Outcome
First coming into public use in November 2023, the project was fully completed in April 2024.
Cardiff Council’s aspiration is for the new quarter to become a bustling hub, attracting homes, hotels, hospitality, offices, leisure and retail.
